The Swansea Fringe Festival

Deadstring Brothers

 

 

 

Deadstring Brothers began in fall 2001. Since then, the band has worked to develop their own take on Americana, drawing influences from a variety of sources. “It’s all in there somehow,” declares Marschke, “but blues and country music just feel the most natural.”

Not unlike Exile-era Stones, the Deadstring Brothers deliver a menacing sound that draws equally on the melancholy of country ballads and the abandon of rock and blues. The band’s music is deeply rooted in the storytelling and instrumental traditions of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and the “Outlaw Movement,” but is also informed by the song structure and understated aggression commonly associated with Detroit bands. Their haunting melodies reveal the influence of early ‘70s rock icons like The Band and Gram Parsons, while Marschke’s vocals betray the more modern influence of outré singer/songwriters like Jeff Buckley, Leonard Cohen, and Nick Cave. Deadstring Brothers’ live performances have the energy of lo-fi guitar rock, but sophisticated arrangements and a focus on traditional American music separate them from many of their Detroit contemporaries.

The band has been touring steadily since the 2003 release of their eponymous debut and have shared the stage with acts ranging from Cat Power and Jesse Sykes to Giant Sand, My Morning Jacket, Drive by Truckers and the Mekons. Look for for their latest release, Starving Winter Report, available on Bloodshot Records!

"There's lashings of white soul among the country honk, augmented by fat horns, the keening vocal back-ups of Masha Marjieh and Ross Westerbur's spiky piano runs. Fans of Marah, Drive-By Truckers and Slobberbone will find much to savour in the dark corners of this fine music......Seriously impressive" - Uncut       

"Better still, the Deadstring Brothers do things the way even mean old

Merle Haggard would surely appreciate: Bakersfield grit rather than Nashville polish, and none of the half-arsed shambling that passes for so much Americana these days either." - Q Magazine

 

"This is real steel, and plenty else too. A fine album from a band who

sit uncomfortable and warm." - Mojo

 

"A rollicking good time album, which knocks most of the 'Americana' movement into a miserable cocked hat. Starving Winter Report is an album that grows from first listen."  - The Guardian