Swift Tracks: Electric Mountain Rotten Apple Gang and the Blackbird Harmony

by Brenna Rushing

Going back to some good ‘ol country roots is the theme this week. Electric Mountain Rotten Apple Gang (say that five times fast) offers up some bluegrass tunes from all around Texas, including Bastrop, Austin and DFW.

They have four consistent members who play everything from the dobro, fiddle, and mandolin to the guitar and bass. One of the mandolin and flattop guitar players, Darrin, plays with the band when the shows are in or around Austin. EMRAG also has a female accordion player by the name of Amanda who plays with them occasionally; when she isn’t busy with her solo career.

“Wayfarin' Stranger” is a track that stood out to me due to its high energy sound. Found on their PegNews band page, you can download for free by clicking the prior link. Much of the percussion in the track is made by the banjo or mandolin player beating on the strings. This shows the band knows how to improvise, which lets me know that they are capable of some creative material in the future.

This song also stood out because of the major influences of each instrument. Normally all the instruments come together to make a continuous harmony. But here, they each have their own solo. It helps you appreciate what goes into making the music.

If you didn’t already guess by their extensive and very creative name, the Electric Mountain Rotten Apple Gang seems to bring a lot of character with them. They have a number of colorfully named songs, "Wayfarin’ Stranger" being just one.

If this seems like something you could be interested in, they’ll be playing in Austin next month at the Parlor on August 10. More information can be found on their MySpace.

Blackbird Harmony also brings some bluegrass into the mix, but on more of the country side. Evan Birdsong is the frontman and lends all of his vocals to every track. They’re a more traditional country group because they use the pedal steel in their songs.

“Hardwood Exits” is not only a single, but also the name of their newest album. The song is rather slow and measured, dripping with emotion. Right away, it’s obvious that the song is a sad one. It’s about a past relationship that both parties are trying to get over. One of the best lines is, “The record’s spinning round, till the silence pulls us down.”

The lyrics tell Evan’s stories well; they are very understandable. It’s important to have that in country music, a genre that is often thought to retell the same sad story.

The pedal steel gets a solo, showing Danny Crelin’s talent for the instrument. If it wasn’t for the pedal, I would classify Blackbird Harmony as an indie group. But together, they’re bringing a different edge to traditional country music.

Hardwood Exits was released in 2008 and is available on their MySpace.