Caspar, CA (Top40 Charts/ Green Light Go Publicity) - Gwyneth and Monko are evolving. Their new record, Gwyneth & Monko, which was recorded at Old School Studio in Caspar, CA, will more accurately reflect what the duo sounds like live, which is somewhere between folky acoustic and indie rock.
And it's no wonder their new work sounds this way, as they've been on the road for most of 2010, taking weekends here and there to record. Guest artists Scott Southard on bass, Jimmy Gallagher on drums and Matt Cooper Borkenhagen on pedal steel and dobro, join Gwyneth and Monko on their self-titled album which will be released on February 15th, 2011.
This record exists in part because of a month of creative exploration. In July, Gwyneth Moreland and Michael Monko spent time honing new songs in a home recording studio. Those sketches came to life in Old School Studio and are filled with new elements: Moreland on banjo, Monko on fiddle and guest artists adding drums and bass. These additions allow Gwyneth and Monko to explore a different dynamic while still keeping the old-timey and Americana influences, songwriting style, Moreland's vocal style and Monko's intricate instrumentation.
In July, Gwyneth and Monko released their EP, Good Old Horse, which evokes a feeling of nostalgia rooted deep in classic country fundamentals. Their first release as a duo, it breathes gently with down-home roots and indie folk sensibilities. Lead singer Gwyneth Moreland and multi-instrumentalist Michael Monko create intimate, pure and heartfelt songs infused with sentimental lyrics.
Praise for Gwyneth and Monko
"The latter song ["Lexington Ballad"], which recently received honourable mention at the Woody Guthrie Songwriting competition, showcases Monko's musicianship, as well as Moreland's flair for folk-style storytelling." -Nereida Fernandes, Exclaim
"Being a sucker for traditional-style storytelling, and vocal harmonies, I found myself weak at the knees listening for the first time to the lovely song Pine Box Sailor. It's awash with imagery and longing, driven by it's waltz-like tempo and folksy, universal melody. Gwyneth's vocals and lyrics combine wonderfully in this sad lament. This song is from her solo album, but the killer harmony vocals are from Michael Monko. Lexington Ballad in the standout from the new EP. Great vocals from Moreland, with stellar mandolin lines from Monko. This is very good songwriting from a duo with lots of talent, and, we hope, at least a few more albums to come." -Call It Folk
"'Lexington Ballad' is probably the EP's finest song - a ballad dressed up with flamenco-like guitar and a soaring acoustic melody - where Moreland shines as the song's especially tremendous instrument. It's her voice that serves as that extra instrument on Good Old Horse that calmly raises all of the release's quality; and right now, it looks like a winning combination." -Bryan Sanchez, Delusions of Adequacy
Read Gwyneth Moreland's responses to the NPR "Hey Ladies" questionnaire
"The folky pair's charming five-song EP (due July 20) is sensitive and sparse, with the youthful-sounding Gwyneth Moreland leading the way as both singer and songwriter." -Chris M. Junior, Medleyville
"From out of the Northern California redwoods on the beautiful Mendocino Coast comes a talent so unique, it makes me want to shout it from the hilltops to the world-wide airwaves."
- DJ Larry Hacken, KZYX
"Steady acoustic guitar, trickling mandolin and pure vocals contribute to a scaled back and earthy folk sound."-The Mad Mackerel Saturday Round-up
