The Resonant Rogues
Sassafrass Sounds, 2023
8/10
An outfit spearheaded by Sparrow and Keith Josiah Smith, The Resonant Rogues blend Appalachian sounds, classic country and nostalgic soul into these 12 creative and unpredictable songs.
“Sun In Winter” opens the listen with Sparrow’s warm banjo and expressive singing alongside Kristen Harris’ stirring fiddle, and “93,500 Miles” follows with bright melodies and a thumping, rural energy, where John Pahmer’s playful organ suits Sparrow’s agile accordion.
Into the middle, Benjamin Tod’s glowing harmonies complement John James Tourville’s intimate pedal steel in the cozy climate of “Tell Me Mailman”, while “What Makes Me Think” welcomes Jason Dea West’s spirited harmonica, where Smith’s vocals are front and center for the poetic storytelling.
Close to the end, the pair’s vocal acrobatics and Landon George’s baritone guitar give “Reset My Heart” an old time feel, and “What Happened To The Feeling” exits with emotive fiddle and flowing banjo amid Sparrow’s fluid pipes for a heartfelt finish to a very thoughtful record.
A highly eclectic affair that even touches on R&B, Spaghetti Western and doo-wop ideas, The Resonant Rogues make folk music in their own fashion, and it’s quite engaging.
Travels well with: The Local Honeys- The Local Honeys: Boy Named Banjo- Dusk