The Touching of Parallels

In the words of The Reliques, "Music is a shortcut to the soul." With each new record, the folk duo weaves stories that cut straight to our commonplaces, stories each of us have seen played out in our own lives and communities. Making music gives Sarah Dossey and Sarah Monteen the space to be honest about their life experiences. Says Dossey, “We want to be transparent with our music and write songs that stir hearts. We want to impact our community in Austin, to grow with them and tell their stories.” Pronounced “relics”, the band grew out of a friendship that began at the University of Texas. The first EP, Peacock Wood, is a five-song introduction to the band’s heartstrings. The songs seamlessly blend Monteen’s strong, smoky voice with Dossey’s nightingale sweet soprano and attests to years honing their timing and musicianship. Collectively, their musical influences range from Mumford & Sons to Paul Simon and even include such female vocalists as Stevie Nicks and Natalie Maines. The Reliques have opened for nationally touring acts Shane and Shane, Phil Wickham and Derek Webb. Their live show is where The Reliques really shine, rotating adeptly through several instruments and matching each other’s voices in strong, sure harmonies. Though they are the ones spinning tales on their guitar strings, both girls urge their fans to find their own meanings in the songs – so what was a song of loss can transform into a song of empathy and encouragement. They hope to take that “shortcut to the soul” to “build people up amidst all the realities of life, whether it’s the joy or sorrow of life.” Says Monteen, “We do music because it’s in our souls and we can’t help but do it. This is what God has put in us— we just hope when the music hits people they are stronger because of it.