The pulsing rhythms on Fists of Violets‘ titular track are enough to make you acknowledge that Sarah Alden is, indeed, one of a kind.
Alden, hailing from the only metropolis in this great country worthy of the title*, deftly combines Appalachia, old time, Balkan, and punk in a stunning combination of songs. She could easily go toe for toe with Corin Tucker in “Dink’s Tune,” a reinterpretation of an old John Lomax recording.
Even without the liner notes (you mean you don’t read those?), Alden’s respect for her source material is obvious. While one could find a comparison to Regina Spektor’s lyrical playfulness and “gypsy” influences, Alden’s got more substance and two feet planted firmly on the ground. (That’s not a knock on Spektor — I’m just saying that Alden’s more earthy.) In all honesty, I owe you all an apology for not getting this review out sooner.
Sarah Alden — Official, Bandcamp, Facebook
*New York