On their new eponymous EP, Black Crown Stringband gets it right. Here are seven tracks of dark joy that carry the listener back to the lonesome hills of home. Like Portland’s Foghorn before them, these upstart Californians till the fertile bottom lands that lie between old-time and bluegrass, creating a vintage, primal wall of sound. This release is an important contribution to the ongoing old-time revival here on the West Coast.
At the core of Black Crown lie the fiddle and banjo of Elise Engelberg and Matt Knoth, founding members of the Mercury Dimes. Former Earl Brothers guitarist John McKelvy brings his unique high-lonesome vocal style to the mix, and here it sounds right at home. Sweet mandolin and rock-solid bass fiddle are provided by Tim Hicks and Rob Mellberg. Fiddlefreak recommended!
Listen: Brushy Fork Of John’s Creek
Listen: Train On The Island
fantastic