When The Washboard Union hits the stage with their ZZ Top-esque beards and their banjos, mandolins, and of course, washboards, one would expect a rootsy, foot-stomping, back-porch romp. But that's only a part of what you get. Sure, David Roberts, Aaron Grain, and Chris Duncombe deliver some downhome, twang-filled country tunes, powered by fervent picking and an organic blend of their three-part vocal harmonies. But there's also a vivid pop sheen to some of their songs, with larger-than-life choruses that take up residence in your head on a permanent basis, and a dash of rock 'n' roll energy adding to the excitement. And when these Canadian country stars start pulling out their Top 10 hits like "Maybe It's the Moonshine," "Shot of Glory," and "Shine," you start to understand just why they've won such a startling number of awards over the years. But at the end of the day, this is still a group made up of two stepbrothers and their best friend – and that tight, familial connection comes through in the music.

The Washboard Union Background

The Washboard Union scaled the heights of the Canadian country scene in the 2010s to become regular visitors to the Top 10, recipients of a staggering stack of awards, and a major concert attraction. But it all started very simply in Vancouver, when stepbrothers Aaron Grain and Chris Duncombe started jamming with their buddy and housemate David Roberts. The group's self-titled 2012 debut album was an independent release, but produced by a pair of heavyweights: Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel) and Garth Richardson (Taylor Swift, Red Hot Chili Peppers). By their next record, 2015's 'In My Bones' EP, they were working with Warner Music, and jumping up the Canadian country charts with "Maybe It's the Moonshine." Even bigger hits were still to come, like "Shine" and the No. 5 single "Shot of Glory," garnering Canadian country including Artist, Single, and Songwriter of the Year. When Washboard Union's second album, 'What We're Made Of,' appeared in 2018, it upped the ante even further on the group's blend of deep roots, pop savvy, and rock 'n' roll energy.