Trampled By Turtles
Duluth, MN
Avett Brothers, Neil Young, Townes Van Zandt
On the surface, Trampled By Turtles appears very old fashioned. A string band in every sense of the word; banjo, mandolin and violins accompanying the acoustic guitars of front man Dave Simonett and four part harmonies nestle in the midst of seemingly traditional folk ballads. Upon closer listen though, the sheer intensity and rapid fire tempo that the group achieve within this context speak more to a rock band sans electricity or, more precisely, a hoedown on fire.
Formed in 2003, the 5 members that make up Trampled By Turtles all had their share of time spent playing in punk bands and rock outfits, plugging in and firing up crowds around their home base of Duluth, MN. Stepping into an acoustic setting, the band must find the irony in their slow stepping namesake, delivering instead a rash and feverishly bold style of bluegrass folk. Even within a seemingly dated genre, the group is anything but, employing their punk aesthetics into the traditional model with an immediate and forceful sound steeped in the past, but accessibly brilliant.
If you've never been taken with "old timey music" before, the band's latest release, Palomino, is the best place to start. The blistering wails and pounding acoustic rhythm of opener, "Wait So Long," and the plucking banjo that guides the sweet harmonies of "Victory" mesh with the desolate emotional tides of ballads and swaying reveries alike. Simonett and fellows are so precise on the strings and pitch perfect on the record, they might as well have stepped off the hay truck at the height of the Great Depression. Live, the band is even more unbelievable, mostly a blur of strumming instruments and stomping feet, drawing crowds through a dedicated word of mouth base and burning through their extensive catalogue. Coming off a recent Coachella performance and touring through the summer, Trampled By Turtles are on the move at record pace.
I have seen these fellas live three times. They are amazing, and never disappoint. They are brilliant at writing lyrics and their own style of bluegrass (speed grass) is second to none. The crowd loves them. People that attend their shows know their music, and it is always high energy fun! Love em!
these guys can literally lift your soul – they are amazing!
I adore theses guys! I have all of their albums and they are all in constant rotation in my playlists. I see them everytime they play in Mpls and they always put on an amazing show! The energy at the shows us crazy and the crowd is always pumped up.
THE BEST!!!
First time I saw TBT in Ames, IA, there was crowd-surfing. These guys are unreal.
Bluegrass on steroids, simply the best way to get movin!!
I LOVE THIS SONG
I have followed these guys since the beginning. When they started playing in Minneapolis, maybe 20 people were in the bar to hear them – no cover – no lines to the bathroom – cheap drinks! But, thing have changed! Sold-out crowds – covers – major lines to the bathroom – no more cheap drinks! I’m THRILLED for them, though, because they are awesome! They know their music, can play and sing for all audiences, and are great fun!
I can’t wait to see these guys in Sacramento, San Fran, and Santa Cruz!
I tell all of my friends about TbT, so much I think they are annoyed with me. I think they are going to be the next hot band!
My toddlers won’t let us start our day with out them!! What a great way to start every day to put you in a good mood!! Love you guys and hope you never stop!! My 3 year old has asked for nothing but to see you guys live for her birthday…. see you in Mankato!!
When I first saw these guys at High Sierra last year, i thought they sounded good of course. I love this kind of music, but Dime a Dozen does happen, and they don’t all catch my ear. I passed of TBT as a good band that wasn’t “my favorite”. But this past Spring here in Norcal we had a long winter, one day I put Palomino on the headphones in the rain and it fit so perfectly. Now I can’t get enough of them. Sometimes it takes a moment for things to sink in and realize how special they are. I love this band now.
these dudes changed my life. no joke.
they tear down every joint they’re in, and you’d be well served to be inside when it goes
This is too chaotic at times. I will check out the band cuz I love the genre but I think the two lines of the violin and the mandolin contrast and clash. It grows on you though
Trampled by Turtles getting mad love!!! SHWEET!
i just got raped by bluegrass. . . And quite frankly, i enjoyed it. . .