Acoustic Syndicate’s sound has always been characterized by growth and evolution. Since the band officially formed in the early 1990s, they have continued to challenge themselves to grow as a band with the same earnest intensity that permeates their music. This evolution is never more strikingly apparent than on Long Way Round, their second release for roots label Sugar Hill and their first foray into injecting a studio project with the drive and passion that typifies their live shows. The band did a lot of things different this time around…Perhaps it was the addition of Texas music legend and producer Lloyd Maines into Acoustic Syndicate’s mix that propelled the band to create what they consider their “best project ever.” Or perhaps it had something to do with saxophonist Jeremy Saunders joining the band, after having been long thought of by the other members as their unofficial fifth member. Front man Steve McMurry would venture to say that the change of the band’s sound from gentle and melodic to bold and live was a natural progression.

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