Picking just one genre to represent the D.C./Kentucky based band, These United States (TUS) is an almost impossible task. Influenced by Rock, Folk, Pop, and Country just to name a few, their fourth album in two years, What Lasts, moves into the darker, yet incredibly positive, side of TUS, dealing with life, death, hope and loss.

The first track of the album, “Nobody Can Tell” deals with singer/songwriter Jesse Elliott’s brush with death after a near drowning in 2009. While one may figure a melancholy melody to accompany such a dark moment, TUS gives an uplifting sound to accompany Elliott’s inspiring lyrics, “I sunk and I swam/ and I laughed and I swam/I still swim.”

Moving on to “Life&Death She&I” featuring Dawn Landes, displays the bands twang-y yet jazzy, feel good style mixed with lyrics that embrace both life and death, “I’m just biding my time/ till I die/Still there are many things/I’ve learned to love about life.”

Finally, the title track, “What Lasts,” effectively slows down the feel of the record, with a repetitive drumbeat and light plucking of some strings. Elliott’s vocals draw the audience into his story, the result being a genuine emotional connection between band and listener.

These Unites States have performed hundreds of times since their start in 2006. With each show, the band inspires and uplifts a new series of fans while continuing to impress the old ones. So the next time the blues come for a visit in your attitude, pop in What Lasts and allow these guys to show you there is always a reason to look forward to tomorrow.