The Deadstring Brothers, Ha Ha Tonka, Justin Townes Earle March 15, 2008

Not unlike Exile-era Stones, the Deadstring Brothers deliver a menacing sound that draws equally on the melancholy of country ballads and the abandon of rock and blues. The band's music is deeply rooted in the storytelling and instrumental traditions of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and the "Outlaw Movement," but is also informed by the song structure and understated aggression commonly associated with Detroit bands. Their haunting melodies reveal the influence of early !70s rock icons like The Band and Gram Parsons, while Marschke's vocals betray the more modern influence of outre singer/songwriters like Jeff Buckley, Leonard Cohen, and Nick Cave. Deadstring Brothers' live performances have the energy of lo-fi guitar rock, but sophisticated arrangements keep them from being "just another Detroit band.

From Springfield, Illionois, Ha Ha Tonka plays indie/rock music and features Brian Roberts (lead vocals, guitar), Lucas Long (bass, vocals), Brett Anderson (keyboard, guitar, vocals) and Lennon Bone (drums, vocals).

As the son of legendary singer/songwriter Steve Earle, high expectations are the name of the game. "Like the late [Townes] Van Zandt, Earle uses a base of acoustic blues and prewar folk to build his own brand of American roots music." Nashville Scene