Rating: NNN
Duluth, Minnesota’s Trampled by Turtles have slowly risen to prominence on the back of their live show, which showcases their impressive chops as they attack traditional roots and bluegrass sounds with the speed dial turned up to 11. Those drawn in by the band’s display of lightning-quick musicianship might feel let down by Stars And Satellites, their latest release for Toronto’s Six Shooter.
Rather than speed-folk, the album largely features slow-burning, harmony-laden ballads. The plaintive numbers are still richly layered with banjo, mandolin and strings. But by sticking mostly to introspective songwriting, the quintet ignores the strongest tool in its arsenal. It’s no surprise that the most memorable tunes are the few where they let their fingers fly.
Top track: Walt Whitman
Trampled by Turtles play Lee’s Palace on Sunday (April 15).
