In a decades’ time, contempo-troubadours Rising Appalachia have spanned the globe, spreading their unique blend of world, folk, soul and activism. Based out of Southern Appalachia, the band has put out a total of seven independently released albums and, as of last year, have embarked on a coast-to-coast railroad tour, promoting an environmentally cognizant method of bringing live music across the nation.
Rising Appalachia champions the grassroots of folk music with a political and social conscience that brings together activism and the arts. Released on the eve of Earth Day, their latest album Wider Circles is an inspiring and versatile jamboree of collected works from the hearts and minds of multi-instrumentalist folk sisters Chloe Smith and Leah Smith (aka Leah Song). Heavily inspired by their many long and untiring travels, this album reflects the life, cultures and experiences encountered along the way.
Fifteen songs make up this colossal collection of culture and music. The opening track, “Novels of Acquaintance” sets the mountainous mood perfectly with the crisp strumming of the banjo. The Smith sisters’ two-part harmonies blend immaculately as they fill your ears with the delightful sounds of their angelic voices. Plucked straight from the heart of Appalachia is the all-encompassing title track. With their unblemished harmonization and a myriad of musical instruments, the band pulls out all the stops.
Accompanying the sisters on Wider Circles is percussionist Biko Casini and David Brown on stand-up bass and baritone guitar. Full-time band members, Casini and Brown compliment the fluid dynamics of Chloe and Leah like a dream. They round-out the sound of the record satisfyingly, particularly on drum-heavy song “An Invitation” and on the soulful “Oh Death.” The stand-up bass creeps in menacingly on “Oh Death,” as the two sisters croon this mournful song of blues and spoken-word poetry. “Medicine” is another noteworthy work of art, imbued with thought-provoking poetics and a unique acoustic reggae vibe. Wider Circles overflows with a seemingly endless assortment of genres and musical instruments throughout the record.
You will immediately fall in love with the infectious, sprawling sound of “Fall On My Knees” as well as the beautiful imagery and lazy flowing vibe of “Rivermouth.” From one song to the next, Wider Circles offers a musical bouquet of influences permeating with heart and soul. There is no better example of the band’s diversity than on the impassioned “Spirit’s Cradle.” On this intertwining genre-bending mix of musical brilliance, the band experiments with elements of folk, world, reggae, hip-hop, spoken-word poetry and unbridled social and political passion.
From the soft and soothing sounds of “Lean In” to the uplifting, finger-picking stylings of “Find Your Way” and everything in between; Rising Appalachia is in full bloom. Wider Circles pays testament to the artistic range and musical growth within the band. The Smith sisters are focused and determined as ever, and we should only expect more and more of the best to come from Rising Appalachia.
By Joseph Conlon