Josh Ritter is currently on tour with his backing band (The Royal City Band) to support the release of The Beast in Its Tracks. Josh began his tour in early April, continues in the US until June, and then heads overseas to play in Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands. Fortunately enough, they’ll be making a stop at The Variety Playhouse in Atlanta on May 14th, with The Felice Brothers in tow.

Josh’s seventh studio album, The Beast in Its Tracks, was released on March 5^th. It is notably his most personal album to date, stemming from his divorce in 2010. It has songs of heartbreak, missing old love, new love, and moving on. New Lover was named by Paste Magazine the #2 best song of 2013 (So Far), citing it as “one of the best kiss-off songs of all time.” In an interview with Paste, he said that in addition to writing new songs, he was also working on a follow up novel to 2011’s Bright’s Passage.

I’ve seen Josh a few times in Atlanta and once in Charleston, and even if it doesn’t work out, I always make an effort to see him play live if he’s close. It’s a special experience that is hard to put into words. When he plays, you can tell that he, and his band love what they do so much, and that love and happiness is infectious. I don’t think that it’s possible to leave a Josh Ritter show without a smile on your face. It also doesn’t help in keeping that smile off your face that he can craft some well-written songs too.

I haven’t heard much from the supporting band, The Felice Brothers, yet, but I can’t wait to hear more. They’re a folk/country/rock 5-piece band, including two brothers, based in New York. In February, they finished touring with Mumford and Sons, and after they wrap up with Josh Ritter, they’re going back on the road with The Killers.

Each advance purchase of a ticket to the show gets you a free digital copy of his new album! Josh usually makes a stop in Atlanta on every tour, but only once a year, so don’t miss out. – Sarah Weitman