Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin with The Guilty Ones

press release: “Lost time is not found again.” This ancient idiom is at the heart of brothers Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin’s long, tumultuous relationship. However, in Dave’s own words, “Sometimes Fate, or God or the Universe, gives you a rare chance to prove an old saying is wrong.” The brothers’ new album, appropriately titled Lost Time, does just that.

Dave and Phil founded long-running Southland roots-rock band The Blasters, which became an integral part of the Los Angeles punk scene in the 1980s, as well as the blues scene and even the cowpunk scene. Phil sang, and Dave played guitar and wrote songs; the resulting high energy R&B was hard to deny. But the brothers parted ways in 1986, and it wasn’t until 30 years later with 2014’s Grammy nominated album of Big Bill Broonzy songs, Common Ground, that they recorded together again.

If Common Ground was the sound of a partnership rekindled, September’s Lost Time is a four-alarm fire. Dave’s guitar work slithers and stings as never before, and Phil’s feral howl cuts to the core. The album pays homage to a number of artists and songs that had an early, formative influence: in Dave’s words, “the masters of the Blues, the most transcendental form of American music.” Everyone from Lead Belly to James Brown is represented, but the figure who looms largest on the album, and in the brothers’ own musical journey, is Big Joe Turner. The Alvins met Big Joe as teenagers, and he mentored them for the remainder of his life. They remain his humble students, and cut four Turner songs for Lost Time.

The brothers’ rich history and complex relationship – both musically and personally – is evident in their passionate playing. Dave, with his low growl, has assumed the role of the lone cowboy and storyteller, while Phil, with his impassioned wail, embodies the stoic rock star. Teaming up with The Guilty Ones, their talents will blow the roof off the Stoughton Opera House on October 10. Don’t miss your chance to see the spirit of blues and the synergy of brotherhood come alive as these two perform together again! http://www.davealvin.net/