New England Folk and Roots Music Publication

New England Folk and Roots Music Publication

Music Features

Fresh Track: Sierra Hull “Escape”

Sierra Hull plays the mandolin, but one should never pigeon hole her into a box that is solely labeled “bluegrass”. The way that she has stretched the boundaries of the instrument in her career have been limitless. Instrumentally, she is at the top of the heap and since the release of 2016’s Weighted Mind, we have continued to marvel at her prowess as an instrumentalist and songwriter.

“Escape” comes off of Hull’s forthcoming “25 Trips”. The sound of which is HUGE. Trickling reverb drips off of strings with a slow and steady thumb gluing the track down to the earth. Sierra’s voice, entrancing and magical. There is a certain flow to the tune. A mysticality, a secretive sort of a vibe. Beautiful, but with hints of sorrow and longing. A palette of blues and grays, every so often giving way to golden light. 

It shows a willingness to explore new realms for the singer-songwriter. A feat at which she excels in this very case.

Sierra recently posted with the track release, ” ‘Escape’ is one of my favorites on the project and unlike anything I’ve record before. I co-wrote the song with the lovely Angel Snow and my co-producer/engineer Shani Gandhi immediately wanted to record it for this album.”

To find a traditional mandolin within the confines of this arrangement you would have to delve pretty deep (there is a baritone electric)…and we highly suggest going as deep as you can with this new track. This is a “close your eyes and digest it all” kind of a tune.

Brian Carroll

Brian Carroll is the founder of Red Line Roots. He is a Massachusetts native that got his start as a musician in the very community he now supports.