Utah Carol | Rodeo Queen

Chicago’s alt-country Utah Carol is comprised of married duo JinJa Davis and Grant Birkenbuel. Their third, recently released album Rodeo Queen is definitely worth checking out. Based heavily on country and folk, they seem to blur the lines at times with strong harmonizing melodies, organs, horns and if you listening closely hip-hop beats. On ‘Ruby’ there seems to be a breezy Belle & Sebastian moment when the horns come in. “Sam’s Ranch” starts out with a light riff that reminds me of a jazzy/synth Al Di Meola back in the day.

The couple also design and art direct the albums, press kits and band merchandise through their own graphic design firm Birkdesign. Btw, the name Utah Carol comes from a traditional song about a cowboy who dies trying to save his friend from a stampede.

Utah Carol (myspace) – Ruby
Utah Carol – Come Back Baby