The Yearlings in MEZZ

The Yearlings were for years a big name in the Netherlands within a small genre of alt-country: music for fans of American roots music. This worked out very well for the band: The Yearlings were the Dutch contribution to domestic roots festivals, showcased a different sound at festivals like Eurosonic Noorderslag, and the band seized every opportunity to perform the support or after-show for their American idols: Ryan Adams, The Jayhawks, Slobberbone, and more. After two albums and several performances, the members of The Yearlings each sought their own path. Years later, Koeneman and Goudswaard had some half-baked ideas and wanted to see what would happen if the band got back together in its original line-up. In no time, many new songs emerged, and a new album needed to be made, one that had to be much better than its predecessors. In 2016 and 2017, the album ‘Skywriting’ was recorded with Jordi Langelaan and Martijn Groeneveld (Blaudzun, John Coffey, Emil Landman). The result is still recognizably The Yearlings. A mandolin makes an appearance, a twelve-string guitar, and the characteristic two-part harmonies remain, even with the pedal steel from René van Barneveld (ex-Urban Dance Squad). At the same time, the sound has become more open and natural, containing much more individuality. The Yearlings no longer have to prove that they can make Americana. ‘Medicine Ball’, the first single from the fourth album ‘After All the Party Years’, which will be released in early 2025, is a song about the night Joe Biden won. It addresses the relief that many felt, but which was overshadowed by a sense of uncertainty. ‘After All the Party Years’ is mainly an indie album that the band feels good about, offers hope, and surprises.