Gem

Released in 2011, Gem serves as the debut full-length statement from Savannah Buist and Katie Larson, then high school students in Traverse City, Michigan. The album is a foundational document of their 'chamber folk' sound, characterized by the unconventional use of the cello as a lead rhythmic and melodic engine. Unlike their later, more polished studio efforts which incorporate full-band arrangements and indie-rock sensibilities, Gem is a minimalist affair. It captures the raw, unadorned essence of their partnership, focusing heavily on the interplay between violin, cello, and their distinctive vocal harmonies. The tracklist is notable for its blend of originals like 'The Wolves' and ambitious covers ranging from Simon & Garfunkel to Imogen Heap, signaling a duo that viewed the entire musical landscape as fair game for folk reinterpretation. Critically, it established them as prodigiously talented multi-instrumentalists within the Michigan folk scene before their eventual national breakout.