Birmingham isn’t known as a town that breaks bands, but Florida quintet Sister Hazel found the Magic City instrumental in propelling its career. The band’s 1997 release Somewhere More Familiar found early rotation on Birmingham’s airwaves - thanks to the radio-friendly track “All For You” - and the band regularly filled venues around the city. And while the band never catapulted itself into the Hootie realm of ’90s stardom, Sister Hazel’s music was a welcome antidote to the grunge and mope-rock sounds of the decade. These days, the band continues to perform its earnest brand of harmonizing rock for a loyal fan base.

Before The Amplifiers finds the band performing 16 songs in stripped fashion before a small audience of fans, friends and family. And while the “unplugged” setting may be a tired notion in rock music, the setting is effective in allowing the band’s vocal harmonies rise to the top. “All For You,” “Mandolin Moon” and “Change Your Mind” are prime examples of songs that gain new life in this acoustic atmosphere. If Sister Hazel never appealed to your taste, then Before The Amplifiers likely won’t change your opinion. Existing fans, however, will find this disc an essential addition to their collections. In a “here today, gone tomorrow” profession, Sister Hazel is living proof that there is always an audience for a band that remains true to its ideals. www.sisterhazel.com