Trampled by Turtles – Stars and Satellites

Stars and Satellites is the sixth album from the Duluth based bluegrass band Trampled by Turtles. The band has spent years fusing bluegrass with elements of country, folk, and a unique style of acoustic speed metal. Trampled by Turtles’ live show has garnered quite the reputation of being an intensely, entertaining show at dive-bars, music festivals and everything in between. Their latest CD marks a great step forward in song writing as their newest material takes the band to great emotional depths and introduces their most intricately written songs yet.

The most recognizable song is the epic “Alone” which starts slowly, with a brooding, deliberate start that explodes into a passionate, heartfelt finish dealing with loneliness of heartbreak and life on the road. “Risk” is a fun, energetic musical piece that really showcases the talents of banjoist Dave Carroll. The band plays exceptionally well, using the mandolin and violin to really bring depth and tone to the slower songs like “High Water“ and “Beautiful“. The only negative I can find is that some of the lyrics sound like what would happen if Nicholas Sparks wrote a western, just too many love clichés dealing with isolation and a broken heart.

Signs and Satellites is another excellent, multi-faceted CD, with fun, fast paced songs, and deeply moving ballads. It compares very favorably to their two previous albums Duluth and Palomino. The song writing continues to develop while still allowing the band to stretch their jam-band influenced instrumental wings.

A must listen for any fan of bluegrass, country, folk, progressive rock, metal, and just about any other style of music not found on MTV.