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Description
Whistlestop Concerts Presents Kitchen Dwellers w/ Breakin' Strings
Tickets
General Admission - $31
Line up
5:30 PM - Doors
6:30 PM - Breakin' Strings
8:00 PM - Kitchen Dwellers
Kitchen Dwellers
In Dante’s Inferno, the author grapples with sin, its various manifestations, and its consequences. This time ultimately traces a trajectory of self-realization, acceptance, and accountability. Kitchen Dwellers embark on a similar odyssey over the course of their fourth full-length offering, Seven Devils. The Montana quartet—Shawn Swain [Mandolin], Torrin Daniels [Banjo], Joe Funk [Upright Bass], and Max Davies [Acoustic Guitar]—thread together an immersive and inimitable conceptual arc inspired by Dante’s Inferno and set to a soundtrack of folk-infused bluegrass spiked with psychedelic vision and rock energy.
Continuing their own journey as brothers, they deliver their most ambitious and anthemic body of work yet.
“These tunes deal with the human experience, and Torrin initially drew a parallel between the music and Dante,” Max states. “We explored the connection by correlating each song with a sin. Some of these connections are only apparent if you dive deep into the lyrics. Our goal is to essentially take the listener through our own interpretation of the Inferno story.”
“We didn’t go into the studio with the intent of making a concept album,” recalls Torrin. “I was driving around listening to everything, and I noticed these parallels. To dive deeper, we’re discussing topics like mental health, the human condition, and what we go through on the road. In life and music, everything is recurring and universal. I was reading Dante at the time, and it naturally fit.”
It proved to be a logical next step as well…
Thus far, Kitchen Dwellers have engaged and enraptured listeners with albums such as Ghost In The Bottle [2017], Muir Maid [2019], Live from the Wilma [2021], and Wise River [2022]. Of the latter, Holler. praised how “Kitchen Dwellers have preserved their sense of youthful experimentation,” and Relix proclaimed, “The songs on the new record build on this range, while also reflecting on the group’s Bozeman, Montana home.” Between tallying millions of streams, the band ignited hallowed venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre and graced the bills of Telluride Bluegrass, Northwest String Summit, WinterWonderGrass, and beyond.
In order to bring Seven Devils to life, the musicians opted to work with producer Glenn Brown. It would not only mark their first time collaborating with the producer, but it also would be the first time they decamped to Michigan in order to record.
“The studio itself definitely impacted the vibe,” Torrin notes. “It’s a tiny workspace, but it’s full of old recording equipment with legendary stories attached to it. For almost the entire time, we were forced to congregate in this room together. The process was ever-evolving, because ideas kept flowing.”
Fittingly, “Seven Devils (Limbo)” opens the album and serves as the first single. Nimbly picked banjo and upbeat acoustic guitar set the pace as the regretful chorus bemoans, “Am I supposed to hop the next train? Or stand here drowning in the Oregon rain?” A guitar-driven bridge dips in and out of effects-laden echoes and stark strumming. Coming full circle, a ten-minute version of “Seven Devils” later bookends the record with an epic finale.
“I incorporated some elements of grunge in terms of the chords, which are a little dissonant,” Torrin elaborates. “Thematically, it’s the descent into Hell. First, Dante goes through limbo before reaching any of the circles where the cardinal sins are addressed. ‘Seven Devils’ evokes the feeling of being in limbo.”
“It also signifies you’re embarking on some type of journey,” Max agrees. “By the end of the LP, you know the protagonist isn’t going to be the same person.”
Then, there’s “The Crow and The Raven (III).” The track’s emotionally charged vocals seesaw on top of strings in a moment of terse reflection. “I went through a horrible breakup in 2018 when I wrote the first version,” Shawn remembers. “‘The Crow and The Raven (III)’ sat in my notebook for a half-decade before we revamped it. Now, it’s a sad, slower lament about enduring the loss of a relationship.”
“Pendulum” rushes towards a mournful refrain offset by a plucky crescendo. “It’s about dealing with an addiction in your life and how it affects relationships,” Joe says. “People often trade one addiction for another, whether positive or detrimental to their life, as a means to satisfy their baseline addictive tendencies.”
On the other end of the spectrum, “Here We Go (VI)” laments the epidemic of shootings in America with unfiltered frustration projected through a powerful ebb and flow punctuated by a cameo from Lindsay Lou.
“I was riding a Greyhound from Seattle to Missoula in 2012,” Max goes on. “There had just been another school shooting. It’s terrible to think of how many shootings have happened since. Why is this happening? The chorus shifts gears to miscommunication between two parties in a relationship. Those are the two driving forces.”
An electric guitar lead heralds the onset of “Unwind (Paradiso),” building towards one climactic moment of catharsis.
“A psychedelic experience and life-changing ego death changed my outlook on many things,” Torrin admits. “‘Unwind (Paradiso)’ was one of those moments where you surrender and let it take you. You’re letting go of the human things in your brain that make you want to fight or cause you to be afraid. It also came together in the studio as a band, which was super cool.”
In the end, Kitchen Dwellers may just leave you changed with Seven Devils.
“The record is a trip inward within the self,” Torrin concludes. “It tackles a lot of things in the world people try not to think about. The reality is we’re only truly happy when happiness comes from within. That’s the message.”
Breakin' Strings
Breakin' Strings is a New England based bluegrass band, started 18 years ago. After a 10 year hiatus, they are back and better than ever. Led by Cliff Gelina, and backed by some of New England's finest musicians, featuring Cody Howe, Sam Acus, Amanda Gelina, Steve Petterson, and David Bevins. They have a hard driving bluegrass sound that brings people to their feet. They will also blow you away with their strong ballads and tight harmonies. The musicianship in this group will keep you dancing with a smile on your face. This versatile group brings a great show you won't want to miss. Breakin' Strings had their debut album released in September of 2022 which was recorded in (Studio A) at the legendary Blackbird Studios in Nashville, TN. They also performed at the 2022 IBMA Ramble Showcase. BREAKIN' STRINGS released Their most recent single in 2023 called “Stones”. Breakin’ Strings will be recording more original tunes this year, working on their new Album, “Home Grown” You can keep up to date with Breakin' Strings by checking out their website at https://www.breakinstrings.net
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Kids Free?
Yes! Kids 12 and under are free admission. All other attendees must purchase a ticket.
What if it rains?
The show will go on rain or shine!
Are dogs allowed?
Unfortunately, we are not able to allow dogs into the venue grounds. If you have a service dog or would like to talk about special accommodations please contact the venue here - https://www.whistlestopconcertseries.com/location-contact
Can I bring outside food and drinks?
Unfortunately, no outside food or drinks are allowed in the venue. But, reusable water bottles are allowed and encouraged! There will be filling stations throughout the festival grounds.
Can I bring a chair or blanket?
Yes! Chairs and blankets are more than welcome!
Can I get a refund?
No, sorry, all ticket sales are final.
Date & Time
Sat, Jul 6, 2024 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Venue Details
Whistlestop Concerts
123 Narrow Gauge SquareFarmington, Maine 04938
