The Psalters
Encyclopedia
The Psalters are a Christian
band which began in Philadelphia, USA, in 1997. Their stylistic genre is somewhat difficult to define, though they are occasionally referred to as folk punk
. Notable not only for their music, but also for their radical lifestyle, the group is semi-nomadic (at one point living on the road for five years), and functions as an intentional Christian community
.
Their lineup, which usually features about eight to ten musicians, is constantly changing, though a smaller group of core players have remained consistent long-term members. Over 100 different people have been part of the group at some point.
Most members go by unusual pseudonyms, such as Captain Napkins or Friar Flute Flakes.
and klezmer
. While they make frequent use of instruments uncommon in American music, such as the bouzouki
and kemenche, other, more common instruments, such as the banjo
or accordion
, are used as well.
Their lyrical themes are generally centered around either the worship of God
, or the implications of living out the gospel
today. These themes reflect singer Scott Krueger's view that "our Christian walk is supposed to affect every aspect of our lives. So as artists, we want to have that shape our art." Songs about living out the gospel are often political, anti-patriotic, anti-violence, and pro-justice. Their lyrics frequently reference verses from the Bible.
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
band which began in Philadelphia, USA, in 1997. Their stylistic genre is somewhat difficult to define, though they are occasionally referred to as folk punk
Folk punk
Folk punk , is a fusion of folk music and punk rock. It was pioneered in the late 1970s and early 1980s by The Pogues in Britain and Violent Femmes in America. Folk punk achieved some mainstream success in that decade...
. Notable not only for their music, but also for their radical lifestyle, the group is semi-nomadic (at one point living on the road for five years), and functions as an intentional Christian community
Intentional community
An intentional community is a planned residential community designed to have a much higher degree of teamwork than other communities. The members of an intentional community typically hold a common social, political, religious, or spiritual vision and often follow an alternative lifestyle. They...
.
Their lineup, which usually features about eight to ten musicians, is constantly changing, though a smaller group of core players have remained consistent long-term members. Over 100 different people have been part of the group at some point.
Most members go by unusual pseudonyms, such as Captain Napkins or Friar Flute Flakes.
Style
Their musical style is based around the consistent use of acoustic instruments. Their compositions are heavily influenced by traditional near-eastern music, as well as by other folk traditions such as bluegrassBluegrass music
Bluegrass music is a form of American roots music, and a sub-genre of country music. It has mixed roots in Scottish, English, Welsh and Irish traditional music...
and klezmer
Klezmer
Klezmer is a musical tradition of the Ashkenazic Jews of Eastern Europe. Played by professional musicians called klezmorim, the genre originally consisted largely of dance tunes and instrumental display pieces for weddings and other celebrations...
. While they make frequent use of instruments uncommon in American music, such as the bouzouki
Bouzouki
The bouzouki , is a musical instrument with Greek origin in the lute family. A mainstay of modern Greek music, the front of the body is flat and is usually heavily inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The instrument is played with a plectrum and has a sharp metallic sound, reminiscent of a mandolin but...
and kemenche, other, more common instruments, such as the banjo
Banjo
In the 1830s Sweeney became the first white man to play the banjo on stage. His version of the instrument replaced the gourd with a drum-like sound box and included four full-length strings alongside a short fifth-string. There is no proof, however, that Sweeney invented either innovation. This new...
or accordion
Accordion
The accordion is a box-shaped musical instrument of the bellows-driven free-reed aerophone family, sometimes referred to as a squeezebox. A person who plays the accordion is called an accordionist....
, are used as well.
Their lyrical themes are generally centered around either the worship of God
Christian worship
In Christianity, worship is adoration and contemplation of God.-Overview:Throughout most of Christianity's history, corporate Christian worship has been primarily liturgical, characterized by prayers and hymns, with texts rooted in, or closely related to, the Scripture, particularly the Psalter;...
, or the implications of living out the gospel
Gospel
A gospel is an account, often written, that describes the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In a more general sense the term "gospel" may refer to the good news message of the New Testament. It is primarily used in reference to the four canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John...
today. These themes reflect singer Scott Krueger's view that "our Christian walk is supposed to affect every aspect of our lives. So as artists, we want to have that shape our art." Songs about living out the gospel are often political, anti-patriotic, anti-violence, and pro-justice. Their lyrics frequently reference verses from the Bible.
Discography
- Prayers to Be (1998)
- Sya a Ku (2000)
- Inside an Axis of Evil (2002)
- us vs us (2004)
- Divine Litrugy of the Wretched Exiles (2006)
- Carry the Bones (2011)