The Strumbellas
Since forming in late 2008,The Strumbellas have been blowing the doors off of clubs and festival stages across Southern Ontario. Their singular mix of alt-country harmonies, bluegrass instrumentation, and big pop hooks makes them natural heirs of the Toronto indie folk scene built by Royal City, The Sadies, Hayden, and Cuff the Duke. Though their influences stretch from Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys to The Flying Burrito Brothers and Uncle Tupelo, The Strumbellas–with the thunderous force of their seven members–are anything but a simple retread.
Much of the credit for updating the time-honoured country sound goes to lead singer Simon Ward, whose words range far beyond fallow fields and lost sweethearts. Overtop of his wrecking-ball acoustic guitar, Ward ruminates on death and God, on the sacrifices we make to know ourselves. In the take-no-prisoners barnburner “The Racer”, Ward seeks absolution for the sins of his father, while in “I’d Sell My Children” he admits to all the things he’d do for “that little yellow light”, and the things he won’t (“I don’t lie”). Ward laces his confessions with images playful and absurd, never content with the clichéd platitudes of the typical love song.
“Real characters, each and every one, their lyrics and musical talent ‘hit’ a note in me that is still playing on in my soul. Their songs are funny and poignant, down to earth and soulful, all with that southern twang that does a body good.”- SNAP
“The Strumbellas self-titled debut album should make you, as their first song on the album, Indiana, proclaims “cry just a little bit.” However, it is a cry of joy, not of sorrow. Mentioned by many different media outlets as a band to watch, it is no wonder. Their calming country rock style with original lyrics is a sure surprise.”-IMPRINT (Waterloo)
For more information, visit their website.
