Unspoken Tradition goes to the “Dark Side Of The Mountain”

Following weeks of chart success with their single “Land” and the hard-driving follow-up song “Lonesome’s Gonna Be Here,” fast-rising Bluegrass outfit Unspoken Tradition returns with the haunting ballad, “Dark Side of the Mountain.”

There are many unspoken traditions in roots music, which this North Carolina band hints at with their name. One is the legacy of the controversial Murder Ballad. Inherited from the musical folklore of the British Isles and the Deep South, these often true tales have become a regular part of American folk music. Just as in today’s culture, there is a history of fascination with abhorrent acts of violence committed in moments of passion. They have served as cautionary tales, not to romanticize the troubling acts themselves but to serve as a warning as they generally conclude with retribution on the perpetrator either by criminal punishment or unbearable guilt.

Here we have another entry into the Murder Ballad canon with Unspoken Tradition’s “Dark Side of the Mountain” a tale sung from the murderer’s point of view as he expresses the torment of a guilt-ridden conscience after killing his lover. Bassist Lee Shuford’s fierce lead vocals portray the character’s story — a man who compulsively returns to the grave of his victim to pray and grieve. The song is written by widely recorded Country and Bluegrass music songwriters Paula Breedlove and Brad Davis who continue to write hit songs for Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Gaither Vocal Band and others.

This mid-tempo, driving tune is as catchy as it is troubling in its content, producing a balance of dark tone and light melody. The result is powerful and yields a strong addition to this time-honored music tradition.

Listen to “Dark Side of the Mountain” HERE.

About Unspoken Tradition
Unspoken Tradition is about new, original Bluegrass. Inspired by their own influences and the roots of traditional music, they bring a sound that is both impassioned and nostalgic, hard-driving but sincere. Their material is mostly original and reflects the ever-changing culture of Western and Central North Carolina where they call home. Their debut recording, Simple Little Town (2013)  saw quick success in radio including XM’s Bluegrass Junction where the band’s music continues to be in solid rotation. Their follow up release, Miles Between was featured on The World Cafe’s nationally syndicated programming and ranked #14 on WNCW FM’s top 100 releases of 2015. That same year they played the main stage at the historic MerleFest festival and have quickly grown a fervent following in North Carolina and beyond. Touring both regionally and internationally the group has joined Balsam Range, The Boxcars, Peter Rowan, Jim Lauderdale, The Del McCoury Band, and many others on stage.

 https://www.unspokentradition.com/

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