The Deep Dark Woods

Folk Rock / Country / Rock

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Billboard

It was the summer of 2005 when The Deep Dark Woods began shaping their sound, drawing from influences dating back to the earliest recorded folk music. The mixing of traditional folk music with rock and roll, alt-country and psychedelia takes their powerful original material from eerie gospel numbers to upbeat murder songs, covering plenty of ground in between. After only a handful of rehearsals the DDW played their first headlining show at a local club. Less than two years later they have shared the stage with The Sadies, Magnolia Electric Co., Utah Phillips and The Stills, toured extensively from British Columbia to Quebec, performed at several folk festivals and have released two full-length albums.

The DDW's first studio effort, a self-titled 10 song release was recorded live-off-the-floor entirely on analog to capture the band's earlier live sound. Their second full-length release Hang Me, Oh Hang Me, takes a different approach, with intricate arrangements, more substantial production and diverse instrumentation. Boasting songs from 3 different songwriters as well as pedal steel, organ, acoustic guitar, banjo and mandolin it is the perfect contrast the first record, taking most of the winter and spring of 2006/2007 to finish while the first record was recorded in one day. The bands emphasis has always been on songwriting, a feature which can be heard on either record as well as live in the many songs which have yet to be (and may never be) recorded.

The DDW are fronted mainly by Ryan T. Boldt, who splits lead/rhythm guitar duties with Burke Barlow. The rhythm section is rounded out by Chris Mason (bass) and Lucas Goetz (drums), who also provide the gorgeous 3-part harmonies which have become one of the band's defining characteristics. The constantly growing sets of original material are always evolving, and together with just enough improvisation ensures the songs are always fresh for the band and crowd.

As they play to growing captive audiences, it will not be long until you get lost in The Deep Dark Woods.

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IG - Ivana Gatti / Gianni Maroccolo's Picture

Notable Quotes

"...The music features rich vocal harmonies and the melodies draw you hypnotically into each song ....." Amber Waves of Twang Blog

"...the album filters folk, rock, bluegrass and gospel through a true-blue, country sensibility....." The Record

"...these guys have the balance between a sort of sly, knowing smile and being in deadly earnest absolutely spot on....." Americana-UK.com

"...A more upbeat, and more traditional, sound comes from Deep Dark Wood's sophmore album, Hang Me Oh Hang Me...." Berkeley Place Blog

"...A Saskatoon quartet that sound like they've spent many long hours playing in basements as the Prairie winter howled above..." Vancouver Province

"...Folk-country ballads and the longer, guitar-centric "By The Light Of The Moon" and "Big City Blues" round out the rest of this wonderful disk...." Planet S

"...There's not one mood or sensation that's not included in the record and for that reason, Hang Me Oh Hang Me is an album that can be experienced by anyone...." Exclaim! Magazine