Arden, North Carolina (April 1, 2022) — When a legacy group like Acoustic Syndicate returns to the studio for the first time in years, it’s almost guaranteed that the result will be a diverse collection of songs that have been waiting for their chance to be recorded — and then devoured by long time fans. The band’s recent singles span their broad musical spectrum, from the signature sound and thoughtful original writing of “Sunny” to the joyously danceable Grateful Dead cover, “Bertha,” to the irresistible blend of social critique and smooth groove embodied in “Simple Dream”and the iconic cover tunes of Willie Nelson’s “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground”and The Velvet Underground’s “Rock and Roll.”
Now the early purveyors of roots-jam music return with one last single prior to the release of their long-awaited full length album. “Man Inside”’s original incarnation was 15 years ago, so it comes from the same musical space that sparked initial fervor for the band in their early years and contains within it that “classic” Acoustic Syndicate sound. It showcases guitarist, lyricist and singer Steve “Big Daddy” McMurry and offers the intimacy of emotive-based songcrafting that has endeared countless fans to this band’s music and Big Daddy’s iconic vocal.
McMurry tells the story behind the song: “This is one that I’ve had for quite a long time. Bryon (McMurry, banjo, guitar and vocals) said that he thought it had been around fifteen years or longer. It was going to be my Steely Dan appreciation as an homage to the groove. The message behind the lyrics came out of a much darker time in my life. It is a commentary on that lifelong struggle… that restless realization of an unfulfilled lifetime of underachievement in the face of poverty, ever mounting adversity, and a near desperate desire to do something meaningful before the clock runs out.
“It’s also a message of hope… and for my own benefit, serves as a reminder to be thankful for the ones in our lives that make it worth it all. At first, I thought this was one that I was kind of keeping back for a ‘solo’ project, but once I started thinking about it as an Acoustic Syndicate song, it became so much easier to produce. Bryon put down some killer progressive banjo, Jay’s acoustic bass tone and solo was spot-on and Fitz’s drums were crisp and locked up super tight with Jay. What we wound up with is an ‘old school Syndicate tune’ …with a little hot sauce on top.”
A remarkable amalgamation of thought-provoking lyrics and a compelling groove, this is music that is profoundly personal, fiercely distinctive and yet deeply accessible, transcending easy categorization — music that is, indeed, wholly their own. With “Man Inside,” Acoustic Syndicate has shown once again why so many fans fell in love with them in the first place.
Listen to “Man Inside” HERE.
About Acoustic Syndicate
Acoustic Syndicate is a musical institution. Since 1994, their unique blend of bluegrass instruments, rock sensibilities, and conscious songwriting has inspired a generation of musicians. Through 7 albums, thousands of performances, and tens-of-thousands of miles, Acoustic Syndicate has long been heralded as one of the important influences on the modern roots-music revival.
Always a family affair, the band is fronted by Steve McMurry on guitar and vocals, and his cousin Bryon McMurry on banjo, guitar, and vocals. Their signature three-part blood harmony is rounded out by Bryon’s brother Fitz on drums and vocals. Multi-instrumentalist Jay Sanders holds down the bass with deep pocket and style.
“Their modern take on traditional bluegrass and rock values culminates in a glimmering, driving sound rich with acoustic textures and glowing vocals,” said Paul Kerr, of JamBase.
If there was ever a band that could capture the universal truths of life from the roots up, it’s Acoustic Syndicate.