Sevendust Brings Acoustic Show to Starland Ballroom June 8

Sevendust Brings Acoustic Show to Starland Ballroom June 8

By Brian Aberback

On its new acoustic album, Sevendust turns down the volume without losing any of its power. “Time Travelers & Bonfires” features six new songs from the Atlanta-based band and six past heavy hitters given the unplugged treatment. Stunning new tracks such as  “The Wait” and “Come Down” showcase singer Lajon Witherspoon’s already superb vocals in a whole new light while fan favorites like “Denial” and “Black” carry the emotional weight of the electric versions.

Going acoustic can be a risky proposition. Sometimes a wall of amps and crushing power chords can hide weaknesses in a song. That’s not the case with “Time Travelers & Bonfires.” The new songs are solid and the classics are just as strong in stripped down arrangements as they are electric. The disc is a testament to Sevendust’s collective songwriting and instrumental talents.

Sevendust performs an all-acoustic show on Sunday, June 8, at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville.

We spoke with guitarist Clint Lowery.

Patch: You previously went on an acoustic tour a decade ago and released a live album, “Southside Double-Wide.” Why did the band decide to go unplugged again now?

Lowery: We knew there was a demand for it based on “Southside.” There’s a little bit of mystique around it. For us, after putting out a bunch of records it’s a good way to stay out there but at the same time take a break to do something different musically and revisit some old songs and write some new songs with a whole different vibe to them. The timing felt really good to do a full acoustic campaign.

Patch: Was the intent from the outset to do half new songs and half existing songs?

Lowery: We thought it would be cool to do half and half. That’s how we came up with the title of the record. Time travelers represents the new material and the bonfires are the older songs done acoustically.

Patch: One of the new songs, “The Wait,” is every emotional.

Lowery: “The Wait" is a song that [guitarist John Connolly] had brought in. Lyrically it’s based on John’s father, who passed away recently. It’s about the process of when you know someone is getting ready to pass and the waiting process is just brutal but at the same time you get a chance to accept what’s ready to happen. It strikes a chord with us, musically, lyrically, melody-wise. It came out great and we really love that song.

Patch: How did the band decide which existing songs to put on the album?

Lowery: There were some standards. We had done “Black” and “Trust” acoustically before. We did a poll on Facebook. Everyone was able to pick three songs they thought we should redo and we basically pulled from that pot. They also had to be songs that would translate well. Some people suggested doing some of our heaviest songs, which might not have worked as well. 

Patch: What were some of the challenges on Time Travelers & Bonfires?

Lowery: The biggest question was, with the old songs, do we do them in the  same tempo with acoustic guitars or do we change the feel completely? Some people when they redo songs they give them a whole different tempo and feel and guitar parts and melodies can change. With “Crucify” and “Denial,” those are a real departure from the original format. I thought it was cool to make it a completely different vibe but to keep it recognizable. It takes you a second to realize what song it is until the vocals come in. It was challenging but comfortable at the same time.

Patch: What are some of your favorite things about the album?

Lowery: Without the heaviness, it really shines a spotlight on Lajon’s vocals. We knew going in that would be a focus. When you play acoustic you’re really baring everything, especpially the singer. There’s some very good musicianship on it. Everyone played really well. 

Patch: Do you have additional new acoustic songs that aren’t on the album?

Lowery: We had three of four songs that were potentials that we didn’t have the time to get to. We were only in the studio for three weeks. There were some definite songs on deck that didn’t get a chance to see the light of day. 

Patch: What’s the live set like for this tour?
Lowery: We do a good amount of the new songs on “Time Travelers” and mix in some oldies and goodies. It’s a high-energy show and a long show.

Patch: Do you envision more Sevendust acoustic albums in the future?

Lowery: I could see doing acoustic stuff in-between records to keep things fresh for everybody. We may revisit it again.

www.sevendust.com

If You Go: An Acoustic Evening with Sevendust. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 8. $9.59 advance, $15 day of show. Starland Ballroom, 570 Jernee Mill Road, Sayreville. 732-238-5500 or www.starlandballroom.com.