The Cactus Blossoms
Biography
Blood Harmony. Whether it’s The Beach Boys, Bee Gees or First Aid Kit, that sibling vocal blend is the secret sauce in some of the most spine-tingling moments in popular music. The Cactus Blossoms – Minneapolis-based brothers Page Burkum and Jack Torrey – offer compelling evidence that this tradition is alive and well, with a deceptively unadorned musical approach that offers “creative turns of phrase, gorgeous harmonies, and an ageless sound” (NPR All Things Considered), not to mention spine tingles aplenty. Their 2016 debut You’re Dreaming, a stunning and transporting collection of original songs, earned high praise from Rolling Stone and Vice Noisey, tour stints with Kacey Musgraves and Lucius, and a perfectly cast performance on the third season of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks. Now their unlikely rise continues with new album Easy Way, to be released on their own label Walkie Talkie Records.
While many bands would have been content to stick with the winning formula of their debut, the Blossoms refused to repeat themselves. If You’re Dreaming celebrated their vintage country and rock influences, Easy Way reveals a songwriting style that has changed, evolved, and gotten more modern. Dan Auerbach, another artist who knows from bedrock influences, co-wrote two songs on the album. “Dan’s love for songwriting was inspiring, just the kick in the pants we needed to start writing again after being on the road,” says Page.
The brothers’ decision to produce the new album themselves no doubt led to the new sound. “We wanted the freedom to experiment with our own weird ideas,” says Jack, “We used to joke that the working title album should be Expensive Demos.” As they crisscrossed the nation on tour, the brothers would stop through Alex Hall’s Reliable Recorders studio in Chicago to chase the new sound they were after. The result joins together what would otherwise be distant corners of the American songbook. Both the traditional twang of Chicago pedal steel guitarist Joel Paterson (Devil in a Woodpile, The Western Elstons) and the primal wail of free jazz saxophonist Michael Lewis (Bon Iver, Andrew Bird) are at home on the album. Just as they did with their debut, the brothers found a voice all their own.
Video & Press
Gorgeous Guitar Tones and an Alternative Twist to Their Vintage Country Sound – The Cactus Blossoms Live on KEXP
Songs:DesperadoBoomerangSee It ThroughPlease Don’t Call Me CrazyMississippi Host: Greg VandyAudio Engineer: Jackson LongAudio Mixer: Alex ProctorCameras: Scott Holpainen, Alaia D’Alessandro & Justin WilmoreEditor: Scott Holpainen
The Cactus Blossoms’ Sibling Harmonies Have Caught the Attention of Producers and Music Fans Alike – Listen on World Cafe!
[NPR] Page Burkum and Jack Torrey a.k.a. The Cactus Blossoms are brothers, but their vocal talents aren’t just simply a case of sibling harmonies. They didn’t start singing together until their 30s. So much for a lifetime of practice with one another! Burkum and Torrey can sing, but they can play and write beautiful songs, too. It’s […]
The Cactus Blossoms Discuss Their Latest Album Easy Way and Upcoming Tour
[wers] By Lilly Doolin Brothers Page Burkum and Jack Torrey, known as vintage folk/country duo The Cactus Blossoms are about to go on tour to promote their newest album Easy Way. The two took some time to talk with WERS’ Lily about favorite tour stops, the classic folk scene in Boston, and what it’s like owning their […]
The Cactus Blossoms Collaborate With Dan Auerbach, Announce Tour
THE CACTUS BLOSSOMS SHARE DAN AUERBACH COLLABORATION “GOT A LOTTA LOVE” FROM NEW ALBUM EASY WAY (MARCH 1) MINNEAPOLIS BROTHER DUO ANNOUNCES WEST COAST HEADLINING TOUR + WILLIE NELSON’S LUCK REUNION The Cactus Blossoms – Minneapolis-based brother duo Page Burkum and Jack Torrey – have shared another taste of their forthcoming album Easy Way (out […]
The Cactus Blossoms Prep New LP & Tour: Stream First Single ‘Please Don’t Call Me Crazy’
[Brooklyn Vegan] By Bill Pearis Minneapolis’ The Cactus Blossoms, whose sound is indebted to early rock n’ roll like The Everly Brothers, are set to return with new album Easy Way on March 1 via Walkie Talkie Records. The first single from the record is “Please Don’t Call Me Crazy,” a great little number that […]
Hear Sibling Duo The Cactus Blossoms’ New Song ‘Please Don’t Call Me Crazy’
[Rolling Stone] Brothers Page Burkum and Jack Torrey, who appeared in the newest season of ‘Twin Peaks,’ will release their new album ‘Easy Way’ in March By Marissa R. Moss “Did someone call you crazy once, Jack?” asks the Cactus Blossoms’ Page Burkum, calling from his hometown of Minneapolis with his brother and band mate […]