“Briarfinch is the musical offspring of Olympia-based songwriters Cory Briar (mandolin) and Erin Finch (guitar). Bandmates Tom Roalkvam (bass) and Josh Grice (fiddle) conjure up a mix of melody and lyric that has one foot in newgrass and the other in another century. Long melodic lines are punctuated with rhythmic punch and chop. Lyrics dip into fables and legends with a Celtic affinity for beautiful tragedy. On their debut album released in August 2025, they skillfully put to music a Christopher Marlowe poem from the 16th century. But they zoom right up to the present, wrestling with self-identity in “Casting Shadows.” This is how it goes with Briarfinch – forward and back, sideways exploration, mixing and melting this that and the other into something defined by your perspective. ... Josh Grice on 5-string fiddle is truly a standout. That extra string is magic. He plays with precision and grace. Briar’s mandolin is clean and interesting. The interplay between these two is particularly lovely. When they are not singing, Briarfinch can crank out Grisman-esque instrumentals with aplomb. Or perhaps a bit of Chick Corea. Fancy turns and triplets and a whole feast of tight jazz moves ride fast and high on Roalkvam’s relentless bass. It’s a high wire act and no one misses a step.” - Patrice O'Neill
“The band’s influences include not only bluegrass, but one can hear some jazz, rock, and Irish sounds in the arrangements of their contemporary and modern approach to their music. The interplay between fiddle and mandolin really enhances the vocal presentations and overall production of this project. This is a really good output from Briarfinch.” - Bill Foster
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