Introducing…Balto
aaamusic | On 04, May 2011
Balto, the brainchild of one Daniel Sheron, promises to captivate with a sound that will both delight and intrigue you. Far from a band that formed in univeristy halls or during an almighty bender, the seeds to this sparkling six-piece began to sprout when Daniel Sheron abandoned his life in Moscow, Russia and went alone into Siberia. Against an ever shifting backdrop of railways and desolate wastes, he wrote a cycle of songs to tell the story of what had happened in that strange country, why he had exiled himself, and why he thought it mattered. In train cars andcrumbling cities he encountered people that inhabit the songs he was wrote and the notes he was took.
Featuring Daniel Sheron (Vocal, Guitar, Harmonica) Andrew Sheron (Mandolin, Vocal) Charlie Freundlich (Double Bass), John Glouchevitch (Banjo, Vocal), Philippe Bronchtein (Piano, Accordion, Vocal) and Sam Budish, (drums, percussion) Balto create a sound which has been dubbed TransSiberian Americana. They put their distinctive twist on traditional string band and alternative country instrumentation. Far from guitar driven folk, this band merges together an eclectic array of influeces ranging from The National to Neil Young , moulding a unique brand of folk which grabs you from the first chord.
Having spent the past months developing a strong reputation in the New York Music community, Balto are preparing to launch themselves into the UK’s music scene with upcoming single ‘The Railyard’ to be released on June 27th. Written in an overcrowded, 3rd class sleeper car between Irkutsk and Krasnoyarsk in Siberia, ‘The Railyard’ is a facinating track, perfectly depicting the images of Siberian wasteland, a beautiful cello solemnly wimpering beneath Sheron’s heartfelt, distinctive vocal. Winding and gorgoeus, The Railyard is a song which touches your soul.
Regulars at Rockwood, Arlene’s Grocery, Pianos and many other New York muscial hotspots, Balto combine wonderful instrumentation, emotive vocals and a story which needs to be heard.
Listen to ‘Self Portrait’ here:
