Anyway, rant done. The reason for this late-afternoon bitchery is a morning spent listening to Sparrow and the Workshop, a rather fantastic multi-national country band. I saw them supporting Idlewild, and I must say there were one of the most impressive opening bands I've seen in a very long while. A three piece based in Glasgow, but hailing from all over the place, they play the sort of highly-emotional alt-country that would make Neko Case sit up and take notice. The main lass definitely came across as a 'sparrow' - quiet almost to a fault and consistantly thanking us for listening to them and not throwing anything. But when the drums started up, I was amazed to find this tiny american had a voice that swapped easily between a delicate squeak to a full throated roar, was simply fantastic - easily making her presence felt despite a rather sub-standard PA setup. The rest of the band supported her fantastically - the bassist swapping between instruments to add to the texture, and the drummer backing her vocals was some beautifully placed harmonies. I have an immense respect for any drummers that manage to sing while they're playing - i've played just enough drums to recognise what an absolute bastard of a job this is! So he gets full marks not just for managing to balance both at once, but make it look so damn easy at the same time!
Musically, they are heavily based in the sort of powerful country championed by the best of the american alt-country crowd - the aformentioned Neko Case springs best to mind, but also The National and london-based crooners The Smoke Fairies (who, if you haven't listened to them already, track down - they're amazing!). 3/4 time signatures, minor harmonies and slide guitar is the order of the day, overlaid with her delicate vocals, and just a touch of southern-twang to make it more authentic (Glasgow not being the hub of Nashville country that some people take it for!) The lyrics are entrenched firmly in the staples of country music - lost loves, unhappiness, unfaithfulness, general bitchery, etc. The power of the music matches the dark nature of the lyrics, with songs frequently starting softly and rising to a storm as life falls apart for the protagonists.
They're a small band at the moment, but gaining momentum rapidly and fully worthy of a breakthrough when their full album is released in a few weeks. Keep your eyes on these ones, especially if you like Mumford & Sons, Neko Case or alt-country goodness in general. Have a few links to have a listen - they're fully worth it!
Into The Wild
Devil Song
I Will Break You
Happy listening!
