The members of DeYarmond Edison went on to create numerous other internationally, nationally, and regionally known bands. As of June 2004, the lineup included, from left to right, Brad Cook, Justin Vernon, Phil Cook, Brian Moen, Dan Westerlund, and Chris Porterfield. (Photo by Matt Teuteberg)

Periodically, we dive into our archives to see what we were writing about back in the day. Here’s an excerpt from our June 2004 issue (No. 25), in which Megan Zabel writes about Eau Claire band DeYarmond Edison. The band, which included a all-star lineup of local talent, was planning a release show for its first album at the Stones Throw on June 5, 2004:

“DeYarmond Edison’s music is ambiguous. It bears no allegiance to one specific genre or generation. Lead singer/song-writer Justin Vernon explains: ‘People need to understand we capitalize on being influenced by a lot of different stuff, Delta,Black gospel, early century singer/songwriter, modern singer/songwriter, modern Americana, Sam Cooke and Curtis Mayfield, electric sound manipulation stuff, country, rock. … If something inspires us, we listen to it and soak it in, And then it manifests itself in the tunes we arrange.’

“The music can only be defined as emotional, spiritual and honest. The songwriting possesses wisdom of elders, but they play it with the audacity of eight year olds. Phil (Cook) slumps over his keyboard with an immovable grin, and sometimes when Brian (Moen) is drumming, I think his face looks like he’s winning a potato sack race. It’s easy to understand because those listening feel the same way. The music makes you want to scream from the roof of a building, toss a toddler up into the air, call your grandmother, sing and clap with a Baptist choir, and visit home. It chases after your pumping blood. Some instances in life make you feel like you’re living, and seeing this band is one of them.” 

Want more history? Find the Volume One digital archive online at tinyurl.com/VolumeOneArchive.