Sounding like some odd hybrid of Phish and The Lumineers, Bay Area trio Great Spirit specialize in the self-branded genre of Cosmic Mountain Folk Grass.
Their leadoff single, “Pretend With Me” captures the bands countrified jam band mojo in a (somewhat) succinct 4:00 pop format—you can’t hate on an excellently extended banjo solo, am I right? These guys are obviously expert noodlers, aided by the speak-sing vocals of lead singer Tom Conneely whose poetic lyricism reflects the pervasiveness of the Northern California landscape in which all three members of Great Spirit were raised.
The band’s debut EP, “Front Porch to Frontier” (out January 13th), draws from a wide range of nostalgic influences. From field recordings to spirit animals, The Grateful Dead to the Lone Ranger, the EP pays homage to the greater mystery that encompasses it all without compromising their accessible, honey dipped, camp fire vibes.
