The Builders and the Butchers

About

Portland folk rock band The Builders and the Butchers have been carving out their own dark, earthy corner of American roots music since forming on Halloween night 2005. Fronted by Ryan Sollee, who writes the lyrics first and lets the band build the music around them, they've developed a sound that leans heavily on texture and atmosphere, stacking mandolin, banjo, clarinet, and a genuinely unusual two drummer setup where one player handles the kick and the other takes the snare. They call it a "deconstructed" drumming style, and it gives their music a propulsive, off kilter feel that's hard to shake. Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, all five members made their way separately to Portland before finding each other. They started as a street band called The Funeral Band, playing outside venues before gradually plugging in and expanding their lineup. Six full length albums into their career, with their artwork consistently handled by Portland illustrator Lukas Ketner, they've built a catalog that rewards repeat listening.