The self-proclaimed “dark folk band from Hell”, otherwise known as The Bridge City Sinners, started life busking on the sidewalks back in 2016. This took them from the pine covered hills of the pacific North West to clubs and festivals the world over. Led by Libby Lux on vocals and banjolele, the band incorporate punk and bluegrass in their own brand of upbeat Americana. Featuring resonator, upright bass, violin and banjo and players named Clyde McGee, Lightening Luke and Michael Sinner, the band deliver their 4^th album ‘In The Age Of Doubt’, a collection of songs that tackle themes of escapism, self-reflection and insecurity. 

The scene is set with opener ‘Break The Chains’, a high energy mash-up of frantic banjolele and soaring strings that immediately gives a spaghetti western feel to proceedings. Like some other worldly Ennio Morricone movie the band deliver their rustic instrumentation as Libby wails a tale of finding hope in uncertainty. 

The New Orleans jazz inspired duo of ‘Port Street Strut’ and ‘Midnight To Vice’ transport the listener to some prohibition era speakeasy with brass and strings in the ears, tobacco smoke in the lungs and malt liquor coursing through the veins. Not unlike our very own The Urban Voodoo Machine, The Bridge City Sinners belong to a begotten time, a forgotten era. 

‘Heavy’ is more commercial, the melody brings to mind the Bugsy Malone soundtrack, the chorus then soars to great heights over mournful fiddle and strong vocals. Great dynamics going on here, the sweet harmonies build to a cool chorus, it’s a trip through emotions as the band take you up and bring you right down again.  

Every song sounds like an old movie track, ‘Crawl’ has a cabaret feel with its theatrics and drama, ‘Crazy’ has a swing that takes you back in time and ‘Doubt’ mixes up folk punk with acoustics and string with unexpected death metal undertones. Lyrically the songs deal with the struggles of mental health, inner turmoil and self-doubt. 

The old worldly vibes continue on ‘Sinners Saloon’ with its tinkling of the ivories and gang vocals, and ‘The Good Ones’, both bring to mind the old western movies. The likes of ‘Spears And Blades’ and ‘Eye For An Eye’ have an upbeat drinking song vibe and must go down well live. In fact, the whole album comes across remarkably upbeat considering the lyrical subject matter, and you get the feeling they are a band to see live. 

With ‘In The Age Of Doubt’ The Bridge City Sinners have upped their game. An eclectic album that should appeal to even those who shy away from the term ‘folk punk’, the band cover modern topics to a rustic, old time soundtrack, and there’s an intensity and punk energy to the delivery that leaves a lasting impression long after the last note of the mournful and fitting ‘Epilogue’ has left the building. 

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Author: Ben Hughes