Track of the Day: Strings & Things - 'What If'

High energy contemporary folk band Strings & Things have shared an upbeat new single, 'What If', ahead of their upcoming album release.

The third single off The Unsolicited Dance, the track asks a series of questions about the world, and ponders on what it would be like if certain aspects of our history hadn’t come to pass.

The four-piece Tipperary/Galway outfit formed in 2013. Over the years Strings & Things have created a unique sound mixing various genres from their backgrounds, including trad, folk, pop and rock.

Consisting of James O'Meara Ryan on guitar and lead vocals; Sean Mongey on banjo, whistle, mandolin, guitar and cajon; Eoin Salmon on bass guitar and Eoin Shelly on percussion and vocals; Strings & Things are currently at home in Ireland after a lengthy stint of playing Raglan Road in Orlando's Disney Springs.

When at home, the band frequently gig in various venues and pubs around the country and occasionally venture towards London. Strings & Things used the opportunity in Florida to record their new album, The Unsolicited Dance - due for release this year.

Opening with a descending banjo part, 'What If' explodes into a driving groove complete with rhythmic guitars, intricate banjo, and an unshakeable rhythm section.

“I wrote these lyrics coming home on a flight from a concert in Birmingham," band member Eoin Shelly says of the track's origins.

"Inspiration strikes in the strangest places, and being on a plane I was pondering the concept of flight itself. I started jotting down questions, and wondering if certain things were different, would we be where we are now? How would the world work? While introspective, the song has a hopeful tone. It’s like how a child would contemplate the world, they’ll ask questions, but with genuine wonder and curiosity.”

Eoin brought the lyrics to the band, who came up with melodies and arranged the song together.

The outfit's 2020 singles include 'Jigtime' featuring Fionn Morrison and Caoimhe Maher, 'Fuaim Gathering' and 'Walking in the Air'.

Listen to the lively 'What If' below: