Massachusetts-based band Splendid Torch dwells in spontaneity and synthesis, conjuring an unexpectedly broad sound from just four musicians. Lily Sexton (lead vocals, fiddle, guitar), Sean Davis (acoustic & electric guitar, vocals), and Josh Ballard (bass), were once known as progressive bluegrass group Mamma’s Marmalade, which toured for ten years. After a lineup and genre shift in 2024, the three departed– along with Karl Helander (drums and percussion)– on a lengthy west coast tour which served to crystallize their Americana, country, and indie styles into what is now Splendid Torch.
Splendid Torch calls on textured & curious lyricism, collective rhythmic feel, & poignant vocal performances that evoke their varied influences, from Emmylou Harris and Tammy Wynette to Kurt Vile and The Band. Their debut album ICON was released on May 9th, 2025.