Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

Tuned In

Leah and Chloe Smith grew up in Atlanta but often visited the mountains for which their band, Rising Appalachia, is named. The essence of these two places, along with influences they’ve picked up while traveling, informs their distinct sound. The banjo and fiddle factor heavily into these songs, anchored by the sisters’ powerful harmonies. Yet their “crunk-folk” style also includes an upright bass, bongos, a beat boxer and even circus performers. Through it all, the Smiths’ voices hold steady — with Leah occasionally breaking into spoken-word sound bites. Their newest release, Filthy Dirty South, brings intellect, artistry and even a radical puppet show to the stage.