“The musicianship on Forkroot’s debut record is nothing short of astounding. Exploding with Irish influenced folk and bluegrass with the masterful use of guitars, banjos, mandolin, accordion and obviously much more.” Forkroot is about to release their debut Between Two Cities and we are excited to share it with you.

 
Every now and then a record will come along that has the ability to blow you away. This is the situation in which I found myself when I first received the debut record Between Two Cities by Forkroot.

Between Two Cities is a 13-part magical musical journey comprised of both instrumental and vocal tracks. Now, I know some of you might be like me and when you hear “instrumental” it might sway you. (I am a sucker for great singing and would prefer vocals over instrumental tracks typically.) But fear not, Forkroot takes their instrumental tracks to a whole new level with their musicianship to a point that, dare I say, vocals might take away from the overall feeling.

The records instrumental tracks follow the pattern of long and/or multiple titles, as you will see below. Each instrumental track is almost like a 3-part act of its own, starting with a single emotion and growing from there to take a full life of its own. Only makes sense that the titles would be named accordingly.

Playing a mix of what the band calls “traditional, modern and original folk, Irish and bluegrass,” one might make the quick comparison to “popular” folk rock and bluegrass acts that have exploded in pop culture as of late. As good as these other groups may be, Forkroot makes some of them appear to folk music what Good Charlotte was to punk.

Between Two Cities delivers in all of the areas you would hope in a record of this style – the song writing and performance. The musicianship on Forkroot’s debut record is nothing short of astounding. Exploding with Irish influenced folk and bluegrass with the masterful use of guitars, banjos, mandolin, accordion and obviously much more.

The record opens with the toe tapping single “Sheraton Brown”, which the band also used for their first official music video. The song is an infectious tune that perfectly showcases the bands ability as musicians, while going into wailing solos on various instruments between verses before leading into the records first all instrumental track. That track is “The Carlsbad Mariner/Escape from Tear/The Gunslinger”. A song that really explores the Irish influence they bring to the table where each member delivers fast paced playing of their respectful instrument. The song stretches a deep 5:36, but with slight “mood twists” or different “acts” (as mentioned above) in the song, it is as if you don’t even recognize the time drifting away.

The absolute highlight to the record for me was track 5 titled, “Bela /Haley’s Retreat/The Second Floor”. Upon first listen this track took my breath away to the point where I had to listen again instantly. I was so blown away in fact, that I felt the need to let my wife hear it (just the one track) to see if it was just ME, or if others might share my sentiments. She did.

The song is an exquisite performance by the band, both breathtaking and telling. Much like the records other instrumental tracks, it moves from one act to another seamlessly. Starting off in a very emotional moment, moving into what sounds like the overcoming and growing of said situation with a musical burst of triumph. One can only assume what the songwriter went through to write this, and as sad as it may have been we are lucky to have this track as the outcome.

After experiencing Forkroot’s debut record, I am surprised that this is the first I have ever heard of them, but guaranteed that will change for others who are in the same situation I was because soon, the word will spread. Between Two Cities is hands down a fantastic and rock solid record and if you are any sort of fan of folk or bluegrass I can’t recommend it enough. If you hear of Forkroot playing near you in the coming future, I highly suggest you go. Soon enough, the only way to see them live might be on a national stage. Bravo, gentlemen.

Between Two Cities will be officially released March 14th at Tin Can San Diego when they will perform with Old Man Wizard and Goodnight Ravenswood. Information on that show can be found HERE.

Preorders for the record are available now. Click here to preorder Between Two Cities by Forkroot.