It’s almost too easy to hear a band like Banded Stilts and dismiss them with a lazy list of sonic comparisons. The Amherst outfit earns their keep with picked acoustic roots melodies bulked up with keep time drums, harmonies, mandolin, and banjo. Fans of the Great Lake Swimmers could embrace their sound openly, but the more interesting comparison is how easily Stephen’s deep (and at times surprisingly gritty) voice could front the fantastic West Coast collective, The Great Outdoors.

 

But the thing is, it’s the story not the familiar sounds that accompany it. By the Back Stair tells Canadian stories driven by honesty, broken hearts, and the freedom of youth. Haley doesn’t turn clever phrases, force metaphors or rely on stock imagery. He writes what he sees and that authenticity shines through. It might not be a reinvention of sound, but it’s an EP of enjoyable songs you can sing along too. Most times, that’s all you need.

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MP3:: Banded Stilts – Forest, Oh Forest Protect Me
Web:: http://bandedstilts.bandcamp.com/