Here’s something you don’t hear everyday. Would you like a little synthesizer with your bluegrass? Found Audio starts out sounding like a damn fine folk/Americana/bluegrass band with chipper banjo, foot tapping percussion and homey harmonies. And then the synths start swirling around like a mysterious weather pattern descending upon a tranquil lake. The result is absolutely hypnotic. This, for me, is when electronic music gets exciting — when it’s blended with rootsy, organic materials to lend it a charming sort of humanity. Yes, it sounds like a bizarre love match, but lordy, does it work!
“Carnival” is the first single from their upcoming album called Locomotive Earth, which is set for release this summer. Allston-based Found Audio is led by singer, guitarist and songwriter John Bragg. Their first album, Chalk, was released in 2011. After their debut, they added a banjo, keyboard/synth player and a new bassist for the current incarnation. Their new album is a full-band collaborative effort which blends together a diversity of musical styles. Some might label it “psychedelic bluegrass,” but I just call it a logical progression — traditional sounds gone off to explore strange new galaxies.
If you’re in the Boston area (more specifically, Somerville), Found Audio will be playing Porchfest on Saturday, May 16th, which sounds like a pretty amazing event. They’ll be performing at 23 Thorndike Street. Support this fine band and many others!
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