Mason Brothers

Taking cues from Nick Drake, Elliott Smith, and Pink Floyd alike, Mason Brothers blend 1970s British folk traditions with present-day Americana as a contemporary roots outfit. The group originated through the collaboration of Virginia natives Christian and James Mason, who spent their formative years in Richmond before enrolling at the University of Virginia. While pursuing English studies at UVA, James laid groundwork for an individual path and eventually issued the 2003 collection Carnival Sky, a set of intricately textured folk material. Christian, for his part, tracked material on his own and joined his sibling on several compositions, contributing to three songs that appeared on Carnival Sky.

Continued joint efforts gradually shifted James’ independent trajectory into a full sibling alliance. The duo’s first official outing arrived with 2008’s The Sun, the Moon & the Sea, an austere record that highlighted precise fingerpicking, restrained production choices, and quietly delivered vocal lines. Placements in television and film broadened their reach beyond Virginia, complemented by co-billed performances alongside Magnolia Electric Co. and Songs: Ohia. With the arrival of 2011’s Ghost Season, the group broadened its sonic range by introducing heightened volume and echoes of Pink Floyd’s expansive, atmospheric rock approach. Fresh material continued to accumulate as pianist and songwriter Ben Willson joined the roster, setting the stage for a third album planned for 2012.