On Saturday evening on August 10 at Rye Community Centre the audience was assured by Mike Prince, introducing the Mountain Firework Company as part of the Rye Arts Festival, that if we did not already know its work, by the end of the evening this would be our new favourite band.
His confidence was not misplaced. I had not heard the Mountain Firework Company before but immediately warmed to their bluegrass-style songs and classy playing. Their characteristic sound relies on a classic mix of guitar, banjo, fiddle, bass and drums to back the somewhat melancholy lyrics of Gareth McGahan, who also writes all their songs. Many, like Creeping Vine (from the “Lonesome Losing Blues” album) might have come directly from the Appalachian mountains in years past but others, such as the Gravedigger’s Lament (from “The Beggars Prayer”) are decidedly more quirky and individual in style. Despite the “darkness” of some of the lyrics, feet were soon tapping, applause was enthusiastic and some of the audience literally danced in the aisles.
This is a consummately professional group of musicians giving us their own appealing take on an American tradition: highly recommended.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .