In the words of The Reliques , “ Music is a shortcut to the soul .”
With each new EP , the folk duo weaves stories that cut straight to our commonplaces , stories each of us have seen played out in our own lives and communities . Making music gives Sarah Dossey and Sarah Monteen the space to be honest about their life experiences . Says Dossey , “ We want to be transparent with our music and write songs that stir hearts . We want to impact our community in Austin , to grow with them and tell their stories .” Pronounced “ relics ”, the band grew out of a friendship that began at the University of Texas . The first EP , Peacock Wood , is a five-song introduction to the band ’ s heartstrings . The songs seamlessly blend Monteen ’ s strong , smoky voice with Dossey ’ s nightingale sweet soprano and attests to years honing their timing and musicianship . Following the release , the band was featured on KISS FM-96.7 and The River 102.3 , won The River ’ s Austin Artist Showcase , and have appeared on the front pages of The Daily Texan ’ s DT Weekend and Austin Christian Family Magazine . In Dec . 2010 , they were featured on News 8 Austin ’ s “ Songs of the Season ”. In an April 2009 issue of the Daily Texan ’ s DT Weekend , editor Francisco Marin , writes : “ These sirens of Texas folk make music spilling over with intimacy and real emotional gravitas … The Reliques ’ sound is immediately recognizable : the lilting sound of Dossey ’ s mandolin over Monteen ’ s acoustic guitar , overlapping vocals reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac , the sparse arrangements chug along , trainlike and persistent .” Collectively , their musical influences range from Mumford & Sons to Paul Simon and even include such female vocalists as Jewel and the Dixie Chicks . The Reliques have opened for nationally touring acts Shane and Shane , Phil Wickham and Derek Webb . Their live show is where The Reliques really shine , rotating adeptly through several instruments and matching each other ’ s voices in strong , sure harmonies . Their newest EP was recorded by Caedmon ’ s Call ’ s own Josh Moore . To Feel and Be Loved is a lively jam session featuring a cavalcade of eclectic instruments such as mandolin , banjo and accordion in addition to electric and acoustic guitar . The six songs live up to Dossey and Monteen ’ s storytelling aspirations . Whether heartbreaking or resounding this new creation is alive with stories which tumble out one after another , wrapping around guitar strings and bursting forth triumphant , raw and gleaming , belted out in waves of carefully constructed lyrics . Though they are the ones spinning tales on their guitar strings , both girls urge their fans to find their own meanings in the songs – so what was a song of loss can transform into a song of empathy and encouragement . They hope to take that “ shortcut to the soul ” to “ build people up amidst all the realities of life , whether it ’ s the joy or sorrow of life .” Says Monteen , “ We do music because it ’ s in our souls and we can ’ t help but do it . This is what God has put in us — we just hope when the music hits people they are stronger because of it .
To learn more about The Reliques visit … The Reliques
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