Sorrel

Founded in 2015 by brothers Seth and Isaac Ratliff, Sorrel is an Appalachian indie band based out of Tri-Cities, TN/VA. Sorrel’s music is reminiscent of American traditional music like blues and old-time country while reaching out into folk, soul, and indie. The brothers' instrumentation—a mixture of guitars, keys, and banjo—provides a textured musical bed for their expressive vocals and evocative lyrics.

Seth and Isaac Ratliff grew up in Southwest Virginia—in coal country, the heart of Appalachia. Their musical style is informed by the bluegrass, country, blues, and gospel music they were surrounded by growing up, and their introspective, sometimes plaintive songwriting tone follows a tradition of lament established by mountain folk and mining songs in Appalachia and carried on by the likes of Doc Watson and Jean Ritchie.

Still, the brothers' modern influences are evident. Their warm, Americana-style electric guitars evoke a Real Estate vibe; their impressionistic lyrics and octave vocal melodies are reminiscent of Bon Iver; and their rich, reverbed vocals and layered studio harmonies call to mind Fleet Foxes.

Sorrel released Window Shades, its first studio single, in July 2019. The boys released Younger, a dual single featuring their songs Call My Brother and Muscles, in November 2019.