Futurebirds
Baba Yaga

Baba Yaga, the second full-length album by Athens, GA's Futurebirds, marks a
milestone in the continuous evolution of the eclectic ensemble. The 13-song album finds
Futurebirds—Thomas Johnson, Carter King, Dennis Love, Brannen Miles, Daniel
Womack, and Payton Bradford (who has since left the lineup to pursue a non-musical
career path) —delivering an expansive yet intimate set that takes the band's trademark
mix of earthily accessible songcraft and free-spirited experimentation into inspired new
territory.

Like the band that made it, Baba Yaga defies easy categorization, boasting a beguiling
blend of warmly catchy tunes, stirringly evocative lyrics, distinctive sonic textures and
unexpected melodic twists. The music is both intense and uplifting, capturing a good
deal of the soaring, primal, sweat-soaked spirit of Futurebirds' live shows, which have
already won the group a rabidly devoted fan base and a reputation as a singularly
inspired, bravely unpredictable performing unit.
Throughout Baba Yaga, Futurebirds' inventiveness and energy are suffused by a
bittersweet, introspective melancholy that lends added emotional resonance to such
compelling tunes as "Virginia Slims," "Serial Bowls," "Death Awaits" and "St.
Summercamp," which showcase the band's indelible melodies, vivid lyrics and vibrant
instrumental rapport.

"This album definitely feels like a big milestone for us, no question," King says. "Just the
fact that it's finally coming out feels like a milestone in itself," adds Johnson. Indeed,
Baba Yaga's long journey to the public's ears is a story in itself, but the music more than
justifies the album's long and often frustrating birth cycle.
Early in their existence, Futurebirds' balance of homespun roots and forward-thinking
exploration made the band a favorite in and around their bohemian hometown. The
2009 release of their self-titled debut EP was followed the next year by their first fulllength
debut album, Hampton's Lullaby. It was followed by the self-released EP Via
Flamina, and the limited-edition 2011 Record Store Day release Live at Seney-Stovall
Chapel, which sold out on the day of its release.

Futurebirds continued to build its fan base by touring relentlessly, sharing bills with the
likes of Drive-By Truckers, Widespread Panic, Heartless Bastards and Alabama Shakes
and performing at such prestigious festivals as Austin City Limits, Outside Lands,
Hangout, Wakarusa, Forecastle and Bonnaroo. Futurebirds was also featured on 2011's
Bonnaroo Buzz tour, playing between Gary Clark Jr. and headliner Grace Potter & The
Nocturnals.