I won't run from it

A Big Red Machine throwback, new summer gear and more

We’re switching gears in today’s music-menswear-craft beer newsletter, and instead of talking about rip-roaring rock from The War On Drugs or The Strokes (be sure to subscribe so you never miss a dispatch!), we’re lightening it up a little bit.

We’re talking today, and once again, about the excellent indie folk side project Big Red Machine, featuring Aaron Dessner of The National (there he is at the top of the page!) and Justin Vernon of Bon Iver fame. I talked about the duo’s forthcoming album (more on that in a second) in one of my recent newsletters, but now is as good a time as any to get excited for what’s on the way at the end of the month from the acclaimed indie group.

It’s also, of course, as good a time as any to embrace the sort of quiet reflection that comes with Big Red Machine’s music, not to mention any final summer getaways you might be planning (perhaps some content on my daily style blog can help you with your packing list). For now though, let’s talk tunes, gear and beer, all for the week ahead. If you’d like to read more of my work in the meantime, head to sites like AskMen.com to read my style writing, or catch my other music musings at The Line of Best Fit.

What To Listen To This Week: “I Won’t Run From It” By Big Red Machine

Whenever there’s a new album on the horizon from a favorite act, I like to take the time — nice and early, as the latest from Big Red Machine comes out on August 27th — to revisit exactly what I love about this band. And this track right here, the soulful, really lovely and introspective “I Won’t Run From It” epitomizes what this indie folk project is all about. It’s got the lilting guitar for which Aaron Dessner is known, it’s got some really wonderful singing by Justin Vernon, and all in all, it’s a quiet, calming track that sounds excellent live (I should know — I had the chance to see the duo in action way back in November 2018!). I can’t wait to see it performed again alongside new BRM tracks, as I think it’ll fit in terrifically. How could it not? It’s the best of both worlds with Aaron Dessner and Justin Vernon, after all.

What To Shop This Week: Taylor Stitch Western Shirt

As I always do, let’s take the opportunity to pick up some rugged menswear that ties in nicely with today’s featured track. How exactly does that work out, you might wonder? Well, if I’ve said it once before in this newsletter, I’ve said it plenty of times before: The right music and the right menswear just seem to match up well with each other (it’s part of the reason why the elegant music of The National fits in nicely with the band’s tailored aesthetic). So, given the folks-y and roots-y yet modern nature of Big Red Machine, that’s where this rugged denim shirt from Taylor Stitch comes into play. It’s a shirt I myself look forward to wearing at festivals and concerts aplenty sooner rather than later.

What To Sip This Week: Rhinegheist Truth IPA

Let’s call today’s beer of choice, from Cincy-based Rhinegheist, a nice homage to the Midwest and the birthplace of Aaron Dessner. It helps that Justin Vernon himself hails from Wisconsin, so it’s a fitting Midwestern IPA all around. I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying the Rhinegheist Truth IPA when I attended The National’s Homecoming Festival in 2018, and let me say, it was a flavorful, yet surprisingly crushable beer, that fit right in with the tranquil riverfront setting and some music by my favorite band. Get a taste of the Midwest delivered to your door when you pick up the Rhinegheist Truth IPA, and see what all the fuss is about.

The Final Pick: Adelante Shoe Co. Santiago Chukka Boots

Just as with the rugged denim shirt from Taylor Stitch that I highlighted above, I’ve often got a few essentials in mind when dressing for a concert (or at least, planning out a mood board for a future show). And chief among those essentials? A great pair of stylish leather boots, the kind that can take a beating and come back even better for all those times you see Big Red Machine multiple times in one tour (hey, a guy can dream, right?). I personally can’t get enough of the rugged appeal of the Adelante Shoe Co. Santiago Chukka Boots, which will only get better with age (kind of like the ways in which Big Red Machine keeps churning out hits, right??).

Some days, it just all comes together quite nicely, right? I can picture it now: You’re wearing your Adelante Shoe Co. Santiago Chukka Boots, perhaps sipping on a fresh Rhinegheist Truth IPA and preparing to see Big Red Machine play (the duo would be a great pick to play The National’s next Homecoming Festival, as it were). In the meantime, let’s dream of the future, plan out some travel and some shopping picks, and kick back with relaxing indie folk all the while.