“Side project” is the most convenient term to use when describing Black Prairie, but the group is much more than simply four-fifths of The Decemberists. On its third full-length, Fortune, the band lets its fiddle-playing frontwoman Annalisa Tornfelt shine warmly as she veers between homey folk-pop and propulsive indie-rock. All members of The Decemberists (save for Colin Meloy) join in—but Black Prairie’s roots-infused sound is catchier, punchier, and more sweetly spring-like.
Fortune will be released April 22 via Sugar Hill.
Black Prairie tour 2014
May 1—The Tractor—Seattle, Washington
May 2—Aladdin Theater—Portland, Oregon
May 3—John G. Shedd Institute For The Arts—Eugene, Oregon
May 4—Arcata Playhouse—Arcata, California
May 7—Bootleg Theater—Los Angeles, California
May 8—Soda Bar—San Diego, California
May 9—Constellation Room—Santa Ana, California
May 10—Slim’s—San Francisco, California