Demolition String Band

Comprised of members Elena Skye (vocals) and Boo Reiner (guitar), country-rockers the Demolition String Band don't hail from the Southern terrain you'd expect. Formed in 1996 in New Jersey (Skye is originally from Chicago and Reiner from Virginia), the duo met at a local bookstore and began playing bluegrass together, eventually receiving favorable press in such esteemed publications as The New York Times, Billboard, and The Village Voice. In 1998, the newly formed independent label North Hollow Records issued the duo's debut album, One Dog Town, which was supported shortly thereafter with a full U.S. tour. A year later, the Demolition String Band released a country remake of Madonna's "Like a Prayer" as a single, which they followed up in October 2001 with their full-length sophomore effort, Pulling Up Atlantis. Their 2004 release Where the Wild, Wild Flowers Grow focused on the music of Ola Belle Reed, the underappreciated Appalachian songwriter. Drummer Phil Cimino and bassist Winston Roye joined the band for their 2007 album Different Kinds of Love. In addition to headlining their own shows, the Demolition String Band opened up for such renowned artists as Patti Smith, Ricky Skaggs, Ronnie Spector, and Ramblin' Jack Elliott, while Skye and Reiner have appeared on Comedy Central and Late Night with Conan O'Brien as part of the Upright Citizens Brigade. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide