Despite a radical socio-political resentment toward the husband/wife dynamic, you’ve likely noticed that we at PHILTHY MAG are actually quite the fan of a number of husband/wife musical duos (Maybe I should re-think my cultural politics.)… And for the past half-decade or so, few have been more both prevalent and impressive that Charleston, South Carolina’s Shovels & Rope, comprised of Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst, who, since 2008 have been kicking out jams that blend traditionally-subdued Americana with some of Rock’N’Roll’s more rambunctious genres. Last month Shovels & Rope released their official sophomore full-length, Swimmin’ Time. The album has the married couple attacking Americana sentiments and musicality with a punk rock passion and an unapologetic appreciation for some of humanity’s most beautifully crass simple pleasures. It also runs the gamut from quite playful to quite morose. The couple has gained acclaim from their performances at festivals like Newport, Bonnaroo, Coachella, and Lollapalooza, in addition to critical fans at the likes of NPR, USA Today, and Billboard. Shovels & Rope are currently on their biggest tour yet and will be here at our very own Union Transfer on Wednesday, September 24th, which will likely be the perfect performance for those who can appreciate both the kind of sets that took place at the 100 Club in ’77 and the kind of honky-tonks where Townes Van Zandt made a name for himself.
