The Ridges
The Ridges are an orchestral folk rock band from Athens, Ohio. The band is rooted in the collaboration of vocalist / guitarist Victor Rasgaitis and cellist / vocalist Talor Smith, who are frequently joined by a rotating cast of musicians.
History
A collaboration between Victor Rasgaitis (guitar, vocals) and Talor Smith (cello, vocals), The Ridges formed at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. The duo is supported live by a rotating cast of musicians adding classical and folk rock instruments ranging from cellos, violins, upright bass, and horns to banjo, mandolin, accordion, and drums. By augmenting their aggressive, high-energy performances with haunting, all-acoustic instrumentation, The Ridges craft their own unique brand of indie rock compositions. It’s a distinct sound that overflows with the dark romanticism of their ominous namesake — Athens' abandoned Victorian-style insane asylum where the band recorded their self-titled EP.
Known for bringing an electrifying energy to acoustic music, MidPoint Music Festival called them "a rootsier, catchier Arcade Fire," while Daytrotter.com described their sound as "the kind of Americana music that falls off the bone." It’s this unique duality that has found The Ridges just as comfortable sharing the stage with folk favorites like Ben Sollee, Jessica Lea Mayfield, and Horse Feathers, as when they're playing with indie rockers like Ra Ra Riot, Kishi Bashi, and Good Old War. A live band in every sense, they've honed their dynamic performance by supporting national headliners and independently touring the Midwest, East Coast, and South, while bringing stand-out showcases to Ohio's MidPoint Music Festival, New York City's CBGB Festival, and at total of 13 showcases at SXSW in Austin, TX.
