Tall Tall Trees

Tall Tall Trees sounds like a traditional Appalachian instrument that has been sent into orbit and returned with a few cosmic secrets. At the center of every track is Mike Savino's 'Banjotron,' a highly modified banjo that he treats as a drum kit, a synthesizer, and a melodic lead all at once. The result is a shimmering, organic wall of sound that feels both ancient and futuristic, blending the earthy pluck of folk with the expansive, swirling textures of neo-psychedelia.

What makes this project truly distinctive is the sheer ingenuity of the arrangements. Rather than relying on a full band, Savino uses live looping and unconventional techniques - like bowing the strings or using the banjo head as a kick drum - to build dense, rhythmic landscapes. There is a sense of playful curiosity in the music, a feeling that every sound is an experiment in how much emotion can be squeezed out of wood and wire. It is music that breathes with the rhythm of the outdoors.

For those new to the Banjotron universe, start with the album 'Freedays.' It perfectly captures the balance between his singer-songwriter roots and his more adventurous, experimental tendencies. From there, move to 'A Wave of Golden Things' for a more contemplative, nature-focused experience. It is the ideal soundtrack for anyone who wants their folk music to have a little more magic and a lot more imagination.