The Satyrswitch

Satyrswitch is an all acoustic project started by Jason Kesselring who is perhaps best known as guitarist and vocalist for Minneapolis spacerockers Skye Klad. Initially started as a project to pursue Jason's interest in both the primitive folk music of America and his love for guitarists like Davey Graham and Bert Jansch. Though the Satyrswitch is primarily a solo acoustic project it does feature a few guest appearances by other stalwarts of the Minneapolis psychedelic underground like Erik Wivinus (Salamander, Skye Klad, Gentle Tasaday) Dave Onnen (Salamander, Ousia, Skye Klad) and his wife Christine.An eclectic cross between Folk Baroque and Cowboy Raga, the "High Lonesome Sound" of the Satyrswitch is traditional material approached with a more updated approach to the guitar. The Satyrswitch departs from Jason's former effect laden excursions and features a more stripped down approach which has brought into light Kesselring's versatility and virtuosity. The debut Satyrswitch CD "The High Lonesome Sounds of Satyrswitch" is now out on Camera Obscura.Foxy Digitalis Review:"The High Lonesome Sound of Satyrswitch" combines a familiar cow-folk base with dazzling ragas and old style Americana. It's a modern dash of traditionalism, resulting in the off-beat weirdness of "Boys of Bedlam" as well as the Syd Barrett inspired folk psych sprawl of "Angels of Wolves". "Second Air" on the other hand is 49 seconds of precise, ornamental finger-picking in the Bert Jansch mold, more of which can be found on the mind-blowing "Israfel". "Ed Dorado" sounds sort of like Lee Hazlewood doing a worthy attempt at psych-folk. That comparison is largely due to Kesselring's baritone vocal, possibly the one obstacle to overcome here. But at the same time his voice and persona is a big part of what makes this so charming and unique in a Sergio Leone kind of way. If you're digging on this whole "folk revival" thing, and looking for something further off the beaten path, give the mighty Satyrswitch a lash. 7/10The Satyrswitch is the acoustic-oriented project of Minneapolis musician Jason Kesselring, who has also been in the groups Skye Klad and Blitzen. Although occasionally other musicians are used on the Satyrswitch's first album, 2004's The High Lonesome Sound of the Satyrswitch, much of the material features Kesselring alone on acoustic guitar and vocals. The record is haunting folk with an occasional acid folk bent, enhanced by the use of some chord organ and keyboard sitar. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide