The Absynth Quintet

“It’s not a leap to suggest that the Absynth Quintet will be a big deal on the west coast string band circuit in short order.” – The Metro, Santa Cruz.
A bionic string band? Fire breathing traveling gypsy circus indie grass? Acoustic, with benefits? The Absynth Quintet is a group of pickers purveying a truly unique brand of high energy acoustic music. The band’s sound, born and cultured in the fertile hills of Humboldt county, California melds a reverent treatment of time-honored American music, with a reckless, virtuosic and often zany approach to innovation. There’s something Django-esque, something distinctly eastern European that saturates many of the songs, but always present is the foot-stomping influence of the bluegrass roots.
The year 2008 saw the Absynth Quintet break onto the national scene with the release of Indigo Shoes, their stellar full-length studio album. Indigo Shoes was recorded in Humboldt county at the band’s studio, The Sonic Dimple over the course of 3 wet winter months. Jazzmando.com calls the album “fierce acoustic energy that never betrays a carefully crafted sophistication.” And Gratefulweb.net immediately placed the group in their Band of the Month slot after hearing only a few tracks.
While Indigo Shoes showcases the band’s chops in a studio environment, their 2007 live release Kevlar Mariachi Pants offers a glimpse into the honed improvisational skills the group has cultivated over 4 years of touring. Kevlar primarily consists of originals, but also includes a firey treatment of John Coltrane’s “Mr. PC”. The Arcata Eye said “…listening to Kevlar Mariachi Pants is akin to being served an exotic meal (or mind altering beverage) one could never hope to replicate at home. You have to go out for this kind of stuff. Delicious”.
The Absynth Quintet celebrates the release of IOTA, their fourth album this fall.