You never hear it anymore: the power of unhinged vocals channeling a tormented condition driven by the rhythm of a not-so delicate acoustic freight train. Well, it’s out there, and audio journal has tapped it and exposed their souls to enough rock-oriented country fans and in several undeniable compositions to garner a sense of inevitability in the market. It wasn’t always that way.

The Burlington, VT duo that started it all in 2004 at an impromptu jam session at a mai tai-soaked luau showcased their love of 80s covers, acoustic style, at open mic sessions and towny bars. After adding some Cash, Nelson and Jennings in their set to keep it real, it was clear that country music was their true artistic destination.

At the start of 2008, following a frenetic period of writing, recording and performing as the Hooters house band, audio journal scored a special appearance at the Pickle Barrel in Killington with the eclectic supergroup Yukon Kornelius. This progressed to the IZSTYLE 2008 Winter Tour around New England ski resorts, sharing the stage with Little Feat, Pete Kilpatrick Band and Toots & the Maytals.

The band’s everyman anthem, Dusty Road, was also featured on the IZSTYLE Vol. 2 disc with Army of Me, Switchfoot and others, which was circulated throughout the Dave Matthews Band 2008 summer tour. Locally, audio journal performed at the WOKO Country Club Music Festival and the Champlain Valley Fair while holding down regular shows around Burlington’s choicest venues.

1. Dusty Road

2. Its Alright

3. Midnight Rain

4. Scorned

5. Tears Like Mine