Stomp Grass is not blue grass. Let me preface this. It does not sound like bluegrass. It does not look like bluegrass and it certainly does not dance like blue grass. Far from it, instead The Wild Rumpus and their original West Virginia inspired sound has a punk rock county slant which I would describe as hip swing music. The Wild Rumpus played March 30, at The Purple Fiddle in Thomas, WV. If you haven’t been there – I strongly suggest you do. Quickly go – before anyone finds out you have not been there. The night of the 30th was cool and damp and not very many people were out and about in Thomas.

But honestly it did not matter that the place was close to empty because The Wild Rumpus brought an entourage of their own. And their fans were just happy to be there.

The performance was fun and festive. Vocalist and mandolin player Andrew Adkins has energy and zeal and it came through while electric guitar and harmonica player Allan Sizemore provides smooth, calm and cooling undertones. But the real treat is Clint Conduit who plays the upright bass. Thanks to Mr. Conduit those boys do not even need a drummer. The bass provides all the backbone and booming beats.

Ladies do not be alarmed by the glove. Clint wears it to protect his hand which takes the abuse from hours of pounding the heavy strings of the bass.

The band looked right at home at The Purple Fiddle. Adkins seemed relaxed and even played barefooted. The scene was casual and no one blinked an eye when Adkins busted a string. As they say the show must go on. At some point during the performance a member of the audience requested Molly Brown, a piece from the band’s first album. By the time the song was over even the gentlemen sitting at the back of the room gave a hearty applause.

– Leah Deitz