Nyr Lif

In this new renaissance of independent music from Pocatello, Idaho, one band somehow manages to continually impress. This band is Nyr Lif. Composed of two members, Casey Cathey and Shawn Barkdull, and two acoustic guitars, they play as if they are merely vessels or mediums in which something on a higher musical level is playing through them. Anyone who has seen them live can attest to this. At their best, their music is inviting, experimental yet listenable, modern yet soaked in folk tradition, and can even recall the most bluesy moments of their heroes Led Zeppelin.

Even more impressive is the age of these two kids, as they have both recently graduated from high school in the spring of 08. But don't let their age fool you, their music has shown more experience and maturity than most modern rock hit-makers in their thirties. -Cassidy Robinson, Gate City Swill