Well, friends, we’re here to tell you that there is. We spent the bulk of COVID working on our fifth record, and we’re ready to release it with all of you. The celebration — because we need some smiles and light in these trying times, so a celebration it will most certainly be — takes place on Feb. 4. It’s an indoor show at The Shed Smokehouse and Juke Joint out in Maryville, and admission is $20. We’ll have copies of the new album for sale, and speaking of Maryville, our pal Steve Wildsmith, who was a long-time music journalist for The Daily Times in that town, had this to say about it:

“I don’t know what Nashville is looking for these days when it comes to country music, but the labels and suits overlook East Tennessee’s Fairview Union to their own detriment. Chad and Kelli have been doing this for a while, and every album gets a little better than the last. ‘More’ has it all: You want something to crank up while you keep time on the steering wheel, hauling ass across the state to get to your destination? Try ‘Fire.’ Need a romantic ballad? ‘I’m Not Me’ might as well be cued up for first dances at every East Tennessee wedding from here on out.

“The beautiful thing about ‘More,’ though, is twofold: First, it’s built on a solid framework of traditional country, something the band has done well for years now, but Kelli and Chad aren’t afraid to take chances. Case in point: Check out the backing choir on ‘Brother of Mine.’ More than that, though, if you’re a Fairview Union fan, you’re family. They’ve made us all believers, and the standout track … the song that we all need during these tough times … is ‘Made Me a Believer.’ It’s an anthem of the best kind, and it’s unlike anything the band has done before, only better.”

We’re awfully grateful for such words, but don’t take Steve’s word, or our word, for it: Come out on Feb. 4 and hear for yourself. We’ve worked hard to build something that we’re proud of, but also something that you’ll be fond of, whether you’re country or city, Northern or Southern, right or left. You all are family, and for one night, at least, we want you all to come together and help us celebrate the fact that no matter what’s going on out there, when we’re together and celebrating country music, there’s “More” to life indeed.