Overgrown Tales

Overgrown Tales - like finding a folk tale deep in the forest, rooted in tradition but with the newest of shoots (and a few thorns) The Crooked Fiddle Band have built a reputation as one of Australia's most intense live music experiences. Their performances compel audiences into a joyous frenzy of dancing and revelry in response to the dark, ecstatic energy ripping from the stage. These chainsaw folk vigilantes are driven by the beautiful and furious fiddling of Jess Randall, and underpinned by a rhythm section that blasts, rocks and grooves. Screeches and squeals from the violin give way to barrages from rhythm guitar, drums and double bass; delicate cinematic folk builds into euphoric fervour. For us, there is a direct link between folk traditions and blast beats: it is the unstoppable energy, that intensity that hits you in the chest and forces you to move. Chainsaw folk is our attempt to craft a new beast from these influences - coherent but mutated.' In February 2011, whilst the worst snowstorms in fifteen years blanketed the city of Chicago, audio engineer Steve Albini (Joanna Newsom, Nirvana, The Pixies, The Dirty Three, Gogol Bordello) captured the raw energy of tCFB's live sound in the band's debut full-length album 'Overgrown Tales'. The result is a solid set of new tunes, which while roaming across influences maintains an intense, cinematic energy. The resulting album will be available in June 2011. The Crooked Fiddle Band are completely surprising: the music is original and quixotic, and yet has the strength of some deep and strong roots. I can't say I've ever heard anything else like it! Brian Eno This band really is a national treasure and testament to the infinite talent that keeps manifesting in our backyard... this group have re-invented folk music as it is known... The Crooked Fiddle Band charmed the audience into submission. Vanessa Lahey, Australian Stage So this is what Sepultura sound like in a parallel universe where they're a travelling gypsy band. It's the soundtrack to a hyperactive version of 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' Awesome! Dom Alessio, triple j radio Crooked Fiddle Band continue their musical manifesto, rallying around the incendiary fiddle of Jess Randall to make music that will make grandmas mosh, punks tango and metalheads hoe-down. Lucky Oceans, The Daily Planet, ABC Radio National ...

I'm taken by how effortlessly they are masters and mistresses of the mood, playing with and for dancers as if we are flexible puppets - willing eager recipients of the ebbs and flows... They are so totally in charge of the audience in the most generous way... Severin, Culturazi ...a short fast slab of hardcore gypsy passion...a fiery blend of various violin traditions with punk intensity and the raw finesse of crazed street virtuosos. Bradfield Dumpleton, Indie CDs.