Ptarmigan
A trio of feathery friends, Ptarmigan has been making powerfolk ambioPop since 2007. Their sound features gentle lulls of reflective space that feature sudden bursts of great energy and mighty sonic climaxes. Songs wax and wane like the tides and the moon.
Evan Walton delivers lyrics in an unusual tenor that both warbles and soars. His guitar playing is laid-back, but not without skill. The often-bearded Peter Marting carries both the low end and the occasional unexpected lead line on a headless bass guitar, often delivering bouncing counter melodies to the vocal and guitar parts. At the core of all Ptarmigan masterpieces is the precise percussion of Ted Carstensen, who can handle shifts in time, tempo, and probably space with expert care.
In Spring 2009, they released their first Album, Our Ancient Friends, to great success. It was recorded and mixed in Centro Cellar Studios under the guidance of Wil Reeves. The songs represent the wide range of Ptarmigan’s wingspan, mastering everything from playful experimental honky tonk to Grizzly Bear-style sprawling epics. In Fall 2009 they joined the Yards & Gods galaxy of stars. And boy are we glad to have them.