Americana in motion

Being from the high lonesome mountains of the Appalachian range, you could say that I always have a vested interest in the modern development of Americana. On more than a few occasions I have sat on a porch surrounded by my mother's or father's friends (and their beers) waste deep in the throngs of bluegrass music. Little did I realize the deep connections this hyper-kinetic music had to old country folk and (since the advent of soloing) jazz. Western Europe, parts of central Europe, New York, New Orleans, you name it and it was absorbed like wildfire. Held captive by the current trends of hip-hop and punk, I was unable to grasp the weight of what was going on around me. Only now, while a somewhat lengthy distance from home, do I truly appreciate the heritage and musicianship that was placed firmly in my lap. But something interesting is happening. Genres cross-pollinate and co-exist at the drop of a hat in today's time. You can get the post-rock/ska meanderings of Camper Van Beethoven with a healthy dose of fiddle or a powerpop gem from Decibully expertly hiding a bango somewhere in the mix. It seems now, more than ever, all one has to do to extend the shelf life of Americana (a timeless tradition regardless of this attempt) is to simply use instruments associated with it.

This brings us to the Cult of Sue Todd. Cult displays a seamless admiration for the folklorish mystique of Americana and a well-informed grasp on modern college rock. It's bouncy, but simultaneously sounds deceptively melancholy. They come off with a kitschy (in a charming way), studied homebrew of drama and wit that sounds more subdued than read. In other words, as soon as something weighty is brought into play the listener is usually offered up an escape, be it twangy bango or loungy organ, to take up in glee. That there are artists that borrow elements of Americana and essentially dilute its potency to offer inroads back to folk is truly a gift. Now we can enjoy both the invitation and the party.

Cult of Sue Todd's Website



01 Foul Fetor
02 X-mas

Missing my old Kentucky home
MJT