REVIEW – Time And Materials (FAETA)
“The strongest are the story songs…an undiscovered gem.”
Mike Davies
REVIEW – Time and Materials (Lonesome Highway)
“Taking a leaf out of the Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings template, the material is laid-back and ‘front porch’ in approach. Grainger’s unrushed vocal deliveries take the lead on ten of the twelve songs, and the harmonious vocals and supporting instrumentation emphasize the relaxed chemistry between them.”
REVIEW – Time and Materials (Tom May)
True North” is Kristen Grainger and Dan Wetzel. “Time and Materials” is the latest in a series of excellent albums this duo has released.
REVIEW – Time and Materials (Twangville)
“What’s remained a constant has been Grainger’s well-crafted songs and the couple’s stellar harmonies, from sad to joyful. You can hear all of that in the duo’s new album, Time And Materials.”
REVIEW – Time and Materials (The Gumberoo)
“…one can be hard pressed to discover something genuine and authentic with that classic sound fans have come to love, but the new record Time and Materials by the True North Duo delivers a sweet reminder of what Folk can truly be.”
WMOT: 2023’s Best Traditional Albums From The Old Fashioned
“Kristen Grainger & True North are my favorite roots/grass band discovery of 2023.” -Craig Havighurst
Interview: Kristen Grainger And True North Lean Into Emotion For “Fear Of Falling Stars”
“…a collection that really builds on their tradition of emotive storytelling and off-the-beaten path observations that ring very true of modern life.”
ALBUM REVIEW – Fear Of Falling Stars
“Over the course of the 10 songs on Fear of Falling Stars Kristen Grainger & True North establish why they deserve to be heard well beyond the confines of the West Coast of the United States. They are quite simply a band that throws out the rules and plays with the kind of heart and soul that crosses boundaries, striking chords of truth for anyone who cares to listen.”
ALBUM REVIEW – Fear Of Falling Stars
“There’s ample reason why Kristen Grainger and her erstwhile ensemble, True North, have been hailed as one of the best bluegrass string bands making a presence today.”
ALBUM REVIEW – Fear Of Falling Stars
Focusing on substance over style, they leave a sound that sticks with you as a measure of acoustic string band quality, and Fear of Falling Stars continues that tradition.
ALBUM REVIEW – Fear Of Fallings Stars
Kristen Grainger sings with vocals that are soulful and convey the sense of emotion that is packed into the lyrics. Her band provides sparse yet beautiful instrumentation, layering in subtle flourishes.
ALBUM REVIEW – Fear Of Falling Stars
Root Music Report gives Fear Of Falling Stars a 5 star rating!
QUOTES:
"Fear of Falling Stars - a set of sometimes very personal bluegrass-based songs that highlight why the group are multiple-award winners.”
"Every aspect of this offering is crafted with intention and meticulous detail, executed with precision while remaining fresh and loose."
Kristen Grainger sings with vocals that are soulful and convey the sense of emotion that is packed into the lyrics. Her band provides sparse yet beautiful instrumentation, layering in subtle flourishes.
Glide Magazine
“Even in the darkest moments, whether in the music or the vocals, there’s a light somewhere on the horizon, bringing you back to listen again and again. Catch this falling star and put it in your pocket.”
Folk Radio UK
“On ‘Fear of Falling Stars,’ Kristen Grainger & True North return with a veritable feast of perfectly coupled harmonies, exquisite instrumental work, and mouthwatering lyrical treats that will leave you wanting to go back immediately for third and fourth helpings."
"Grainger’s voice is clear but gentle; her bandmates contribute harmonies that are tight but silky. The songs draw on bluegrass tradition but take its elements in entirely new directions without ever seeming aggressively experimental. Highly recommended."
"The musicianship is excellent as is Grainger’s vocal work, but the album’s greatest strength may be the material."
"As a writer, I suppose it’s natural for me to have a soft spot for well-written lyrics. I was gobsmacked, though, at some of the turns of phrase on the latest record from Oregonian Kristen Grainger."
“Kristen Grainger’s singing is perfection. No gimmicks, nothing superfluous. Just amazing tone and killer songwriting. They [True North] are the perfect modern bluegrass band… Focusing around the terrific lead vocals of Kristen Grainger, the band shows what can happen when great songs meet great singers… This is a band making wonderful musical choices. They are going deeper than mere instrumental wind sprints and reworked standards. Highly recommended.”
"Sometimes the most gentle approach accentuates the power in a lyric. Kristen Grainger & True North prove that again and again."
"These are powerful and emotional songs. This slice of Americana deserves to be spread a little further than America's Northwest."
"The music of True North is a contemporary blend of bluegrass sensibilities, singer/songwriter craft and a spirit that is willing to go where the song leads them. The harmonies of Kristen and co-band leader and husband Dan Wetzel are beautiful and reveal an intimate depth to them."
"The songs ring with resolute determination even though they ply each of their arrangements with carefully considered subtlety and finesse."
"What are front and center are Grainger’s songwriting, which is graceful and intelligent, and her singing, which is beautiful but plainspoken and becomes heart-stopping when combined in harmony with that of guitarist Dan Wetzel." the musical reputation of True North.”