As the web of Americana continues to be woven, artists connect the past and present through musicianship and songwriting that reflects a fluid agreement between contemporary and roots qualities. Too often is nostalgia misrepresented as authenticity, and bands afraid to develop their own sound generally don’t last the test of time. Of one Northern California’s most promising ensembles that reflects true individualism through songwriting and playing is Achilles Wheel.

There are so many good reasons why I am about to talk up this year’s 9^th Annual Sonic Bloom Festival, which took place in a new location called the American Safari Ranch in South Park, CO during the summer solstice.