VICTOR, Idaho — Two banjos show up to the same club in 2025, what do you get? In the case of Bozeman’s North Fork Crossing and Teton County’s Strumbucket, the broad spectrum of roots-inspired songwriting reaches each bookend. The co-bill of quintets take stage this Friday, the last day of Manuary, at the Knotty Pine in Victor.
Founded in 2021 in Gallatin Valley where they are based, progressive stringband North Fork Crossing has quickly made their presence known around their home state of Montana. Their debut, self-titled album dropped in April. Members Cade Slayden (guitar), Ryan Kelly (mandolin), Rabi Phelan (upright bass), Silas Rea (fiddle), and Matt Hickey (banjo) are drawn to the idea of “having bluegrass reach a younger generation.” This means keeping a foot in the traditional while jumping into the now-standardized jamgrass tendencies—acoustic funk, psychedelic rock, Americana, effects-driven improvisations. North Fork Crossing strengths lie in Slayden’s lead vocal tone, the combination of the band’s voices in three-part harmony, and solid pickin’.
By contrast, seasoned Teton dwellers Strumbucket bring twang-funk into focus through the guise of groove-based rock, Americana, and electro-jamband. The five-piece has developed their own sound, showcased in a range of original offerings through a prolific 2024, releasing a single in January followed by full-length record and an EP.
The February release of deeply grooving LP, Chest Vessel Beats, is perhaps most representative their live show with exploratory group jamming, synth beds, playful lyrics, and a summation of each personality in the Bucket. In their own words: “Some of these songs come together quickly, accompanied by a witty or just plain silly premise. Others stem from late night jams, sculpted over time, and paired with bits from every member’s imagination. In these songs, lyrics range from personal experiences, to meditations on life, and altruistic views.”
Released in October, Strumbucket’s Friends Like You EP brought a sharp contrast in sound. The breezy, folk-grass vibes of the five tracks showcased a shift in focus towards rootsy songwriting, organic production, and rolling drums with lyrical themes of death, love and happiness.
North Fork Crossing and Strumbucket, 10 p.m. Friday at the Knotty Pine in Victor. Doors at 9 p.m. $18/advance, $20 at the door. KnottyPineSupperClub.com.
