Kitchen Dwellers (N1)

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.”

Magoo is a progressive bluegrass quartet based in Denver, CO, redefining the boundaries of traditional bluegrass with a fresh, contemporary approach. Known for their electrifying live performances, the band creates a unique experience that blends extended improvisations, intricate original arrangements, and tight three-part harmonies. Their foot-stomping grooves and energetic stage presence leave audiences both inspired and enthralled.

Rooted in respect for the legends of bluegrass, Magoo pays homage to the genre's rich history while fearlessly exploring its modern evolution. Their sound is a vibrant fusion of tradition and innovation, combining heartfelt storytelling with virtuosic instrumentation. From delicate melodies to powerful instrumental jams, Magoo's music takes listeners on a dynamic journey through the past, present, and future of bluegrass.

The band’s success is a testament to their exceptional talent and dedication to the craft. Dobro player Dylan Flynn brought home the top prize at the Dobro Competition at RockyGrass Festival 2024, showcasing his soulful and resonant playing that forms the emotional backbone of Magoo's music. Guitarist Erik Hill, who claimed second place in the Flatpicking Guitar Contest at the same festival, provides dynamic energy and innovative rhythms that drive the band’s arrangements. Mandolinist Courtlyn Bills, with his fiery solos and intricate precision, adds a distinct vibrancy to the band's sound, while bassist Denton Turner’s steady groove and impeccable timing create the rhythmic foundation that powers Magoo’s signature style.

Magoo’s collective achievements reflect their growing reputation as a standout act in the bluegrass scene. In 2024, the band took 1st place at the UllrGrass Band Competition in Golden, CO, and won the Clash of the Strings battle of the bands, presented by Winter WonderGrass & Bandwagon. They also earned 2nd place at the prestigious Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Competition, further establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Their sold-out headlining performance at Globe Hall in Denver on November 1, 2024, showcased their ability to captivate audiences, both musically and emotionally. In addition to these accomplishments, Magoo has graced the stages of renowned festivals like Winter WonderGrass, Grand Lake Folk Festival, RapidGrass Festival, and Huck Finn Jubilee, leaving a lasting impression with every performance.

Magoo’s unique ability to honor the roots of bluegrass while forging a modern path has earned them a loyal fan base and critical acclaim. Their combination of technical skill, heartfelt passion, and relentless innovation ensures they remain a leading force in the progressive bluegrass scene. With their impressive achievements, award-winning musicianship, and fresh energy in every performance, Magoo is redefining the future of bluegrass music.