The Lowly Strung - Sultans Of Strings

Self-released

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Maidstone based outfit the Lowly Strung is a band of brilliant musicians who carefully craft their playing to serve the songs on this latest 5-track EP. The five-piece comprising Toby Starks (lead acoustic guitar, lead vocals), James Starks (mandolin, vocals), Jonny Starks (fiddle, vocals), Malcolm Peet (Dobro) and Jon Fuller (double bass), has worked to deliver an enticing and exciting mixture of original and traditional songs and tunes from the bluegrass and folk realms. They stir up a series of rousing revelries where radiant vocal harmonies flow alongside their skilled instrumental work. Indeed, although it’s only five tracks long, the variety and versatility allow every note to count, which means that there’s not a single tune that ever seems out of sync. They demonstrate a rare ability to spin a tale and to write songs that get people to sing along. Yet in that wonderful way that bluegrass uniquely allows, it all comes out sounding like a joyous celebration.

Renowned for their dynamic live shows, that have attracted a more youthful audience to their regularly sold-out gigs, the band kicks things off with the infectious Must Hang Sally. An original take on the old Jezebel temptress warning to unwary menfolk, this is deeply rooted in Appalachia, with driving guitar, fiddle and mandolin riffs, foot stomping rhythm, and insistent vocal melody hooks that are quite irresistible. Jockey Booth, which follows, is a mid-tempo tune that merges a Finnish fiddle tune Jockdenkka with the old-time American fiddle tune Booth Shot Lincoln. It rumbles along with more of their infamous rhythmic approach as it skitters and careens around a mix of bluegrass, old-timey and gypsy folk corners. Sweet Caroline, not the Neil Diamond classic but another Toby Starks’ original, deals with unrequited love and not quite living up to another’s expectations. It’s a hard-charging song that manages to absolutely rock out while sending a well-crafted message to Caroline, with a rowdy feel not unlike the band’s upbeat stage show.

They slow things down nicely with Dear Lila, a heartfelt message from a stepfather to a daughter, explaining emotionally that he can never replace her biological father. The band works with ease to fill in the gaps between the vocal phrases, with mandolin, fiddle and Dobro coming in midway through from Toby’s opening acoustic guitar. A touching vocal performance giving the song a kind of universal, folksy vibe. On Angeline The Faker, the fifth and final track in this all too abbreviated set, they blend in elements of the traditional Angeline The Baker with a couple of new tunes Sorry Malcolm and I’ll Listen Next Time, penned by Toby and titled due to his stubbornness that kind of back-fired. Elements of The New Grass Revival’s influence trickles into the mix on this number, incorporating a catchy melodic riff, led by mandolin and fiddle and driving upright bass along with acoustic guitar and Dobro. An instrumental that allows each player to stretch out and enjoy themselves and enjoy playing off each other’s riffs.

www.lowlystrung.com

June 2022