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While the '70s and '80s are frequent touchstones among new artists, some look further into the past to evoke artists of the '30s and '40s. People like Jolie Holland and her dusty, yellowed croon aim to emulate the haunting sounds that used to float from the conical horn of a Victrola. But even with this fine imitation, it is still translated through the hindsight of some 70 years, and the not insignificant factor of original songwriting.

As Boy and Bean, Luke and Amber Short revere this time period in a way that remains strangely unconsidered in the indie scene: through cover songs. Yes, Boy and Bean are a cover band. Whatever images that phrase dredges up in your mind-of uninspired pretenders with cheekily outmoded costumes and affectations-should be summarily dismissed. The desire Boy and Bean have for covering these songs does not come from a place of aspiring to the thrones of these legendary singers, or of a desire to just wear their skin for the moments that they perform on stage, but out of a pure desire to simply sing these songs. It's the songs that they love.

Focusing on the Depression-era music of the '20s, '30s and '40s, the trio of Boy and Bean err on the faithful side of their cover songs, with Luke and Amber's voices joining in delicately harmonious duets. With the help of Kickstarter, the band recently released a self-titled debut record.

To read Rev. Adam McKinney's full article click here.