Gabriel Blake (Percussion, Harmonica) Mike Marlatt (Guitar, Vocals) Jacob Bain (Acoustic, Vocals) Earl Clay (Drums) Erik Reimnitz (Bass, Vocals)
Across the water from Seattle, WA is Vashon Island; a quiet place
secluded from the city and only accessible by boat. It was here, that
five friends would form Trolls Cottage. They were dubbed the name after
a small cottage, deep in the woods on the island, where the group
rehearsed. In the coming years they would be playing to capacity crowds
at live music clubs and festivals in Washington State and beginning to
extend their reach across the West Coast.
The Trolls
Cottage sound has been defined in many ways. Some say it is
semi-acoustic rock with conscious lyrics and danceable beats. Others
have seen it in a different light, such as in 2002, when their live
album was voted to the semi-finals of the Grammy Awards, in the Best
Reggae Album category. More often than not, Trolls Cottage has been
described as unique, having developed a sound that makes the group
stand out from the oceans of other bands. They are enjoyed by a wide
range of people, especially when performing at outdoor festivals where
the crowds are so diverse. They have released three full length CD's
with another about to break. The energy this band brings to a
performance is exhilarating and most certainly compels the audience to
get up and dance.
Self promoted tours and self-released albums have garnered the group
serious attention from local and national publications such as a recent
big feature in the 35th
Anniversary Issue of Powder Magazine. While they have mostly stuck to
larger clubs around Seattle and neighboring cities, Trolls Cottage has
also completed several West Coast Tours that have included shows in
British Columbia, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington
and the Hawaiian Islands. Over the years Trolls Cottage has shared the
stage with many international acts like Lucky Dube, Culture, Eek A
Mouse and Clinton Fearon at festivals such as Bumbershoot, Folklife and
Island Earthfair.
Trolls Cottage has been in the studio this winter; recording some of
their new incredible songs--some of which are on their brand new seven
song EP that they have been giving away for free at all their summer
shows. Their schedule is packed with shows and they are more than ready to leave a lasting impression wherever they play.