Fife & Drom: Introducing Fife & Drom Review

Introducing Fife & Drom is the debut record of the New York based husband and wife team of Abby Ahmed and Mark Marshall.  While still new kids on the block, Fife & Drom is a mature band, with a unique sound combining the best of old school blues and indie rock.

The first track, “Wicked Tongue” is a simple blues with outstanding vocals by Ahmed.  This is followed by a fun little country blues tune entitled “Barnburner.”  Both of these openers are nice numbers, but it isn’t until the listener hears the third track, “Ghosts” that one really understands just how good this band is.  “Little Orphan Frannie” is the next true gem on the album, featuring great lines by Adam Minkoff, a strong vocal performance by Ahmed, and just a downright funky groove.  Coupled with the nice use of ambient noise (though the gunshots were a little much), the tune is a nice combination of indie rock and old school blues.  “Who Do You Think You’re Foolin’?” is a nice rocker on the album, which is then closed out by a nice ballad in “Please, Please, Please.”  There is not a weak tune on the record; all are well-written songs, and each performance is soulful, tasteful, strong, and full of energy.

The great thing about Fife & Drom is that they have a truly unique sound.  They also are clearly influenced by older, acoustic blues, but they don’t live in the past; instead they take the baton and run towards a frontier in blues that is all their own, making a memorable introduction.

The Review: 8.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Wicked Tongue
– Ghosts
– Little Orphan Frannie
– Who Do You Think You’re Foolin’?

The Big Hit

– Who Do You Think You’re Foolin’?

Review by Nik Rodewald