Giant Cidada – S/T EP (JBQ Media)
Described by one critic as chamber punk, the Giant Cicada certainly demonstrate the instrumentation and attitude to carry it off, but it only goes some way to telling their story. Their mix of jazz, baroque folk, bluegrass and alternative is both unusual and charming, and although they’re decidedly ragged around the edges, their musicianship burns bright.

Led by bassist Jon Burr (check out his website for his full résumé, but make sure you’re sitting down) and vocalist Lynn Stein, they’re joined by an amazing array of talented individuals, including jazz-violin protégé Jonathan Russell, guitarists Nick Russo and John Hart, and renowned percussionist Carlos “Go-Go” Gomez. Their energetic approach to the material seems squarely aimed at the dance floor – they’d go down a storm at any number of UK folk festivals – but they’re equally concerned with quality songwriting, which is understandable considering they’ve a singer with a near-perfect voice.

Standout songs skip along at regular intervals. “Liquid Summer” has all the appeal of Eddi Reader’s Fairground Attraction, “Tell Me About Your Life” is rootsy and organic, and their version of “Fever” just maybe unique. Well worth checking out.
www.giantcicada.com

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