John Andrews and the Yawns "Streeetsweeper"
John Andrews has spent the past few years tucked away in Red Hook, Brooklyn—a neighborhood that sits just beyond the natural drift of the city. Once shaped by maritime industry and later a haven for artists in search of vast warehouse space, its history and isolation give it a quiet magnetism. Streetsweeper, the fifth album by John Andrews & The Yawns, reflects that vantage point: tranquil, self-contained, and curious about the movements most people overlook.
Just a few cobblestone blocks from the freight-ship-lined harbor, Andrews wrote dozens of new songs at his electric piano. Nine of them found their way to Los Angeles to be recorded with Luke Temple, who played guitar and some bass. Drummer Noah Bond and bassist Keven Louis Lareau, both longtime members of The Yawns and Cut Worms, formed the rhythm section. Will Henriksen of Florry played fiddle on “Something To Be Said,” while Emily Moales of Star Moles sang harmonies recorded remotely by Kevin Basko at Historic New Jersey.
On Streetsweeper, Andrews leans into guitar like he hasn’t in years, still letting his relaxed, unhurried touch guide the music. The whole album was tracked using the personal guitar pick of late troubadour songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker, a gift Lareau received from a family friend. Each lyrical vignette offers a bit of gentle empathy from someone who might’ve seen you playing fetch, kissing on a park bench, or crying on a lunch break.