Still present are their signature familial harmonies but joining their new, second album, If I Was, is a more meaty, confident sound with a whiff of mid-western Americana. Indeed, the album came about as a result of a collaboration with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, and they recorded it together in the wilds of Wisconsin.
“There was no plan to make a record there, or even demo anything, it was initially just to hang out and play some music with Justin,” says Emily. “There was no pressure at all, we didn’t even tell our label we were going.”
“It was magical,” adds Jessica. “The snow was neck-high outside, so we were sort of trapped inside. Cabin fever sets in, but it’s really conducive to working.”
The Staves have appeared alongside Mumford & Sons (at Glastonbury 2013) and on Tom Jones’ album, Praise and Blame, as well as headlining their own successful tours around the globe. Their second album sees the girls swapping the acoustic for the electric guitar on a couple of tracks and the reviews, so far, are looking very positive indeed.
The new album is out on 23 March and they play Cambridge Junction on 17 February, at 7pm (doors) – the closing show in their February UK If I Was tour. Tickets are £13.50.
