The Yearlings

An alternative country ensemble called The Yearlings first assembled in the improbable locale of Utrecht, Holland, during September 1999. Bassist Herman Gaaff, drummer Leon Geuyen, vocalist Niels Goudswaard, slide guitarist Bertram Mouritis, steel guitarist René van Barneveld, and electric guitarist Olaf Koeneman joined forces through a common affection for the style. The musicians began performing live later that year, rapidly attracting notice throughout the surrounding regional circuit. Regular gigs alongside kindred acts in Amsterdam secured them a slot at the Ryan Adams afterparty, where the singer/songwriter registered his approval. Their debut self-titled album was tracked in 2002 and issued that August through Sonic Rendezvous.