If you scroll through most high school playlists right now, you’ll most likely see a lot of pop, rap, and maybe some indie rock. You probably won’t see a bluegrass band, and that’s exactly why I want to introduce you to my favorite band TopHouse.
TopHouse isn’t your typical “old-timey” bluegrass group sitting on a porch somewhere in the Appalachian Mountains. They’re a high-energy, slightly chaotic, ridiculously talented band that somehow makes a fiddle feel just as intense as an electric guitar. If you’ve never voluntarily listened to bluegrass before, stay with me. This might change your mind.
The band originally formed in Montana and built their sound around four main instruments: Jesse Davis on guitar/mandolin, William Cook on violin (fiddle), Joseph Larson for lead vocals and guitar/banjo, and Andy LaFave on piano. That combination alone already sets them apart from most of what’s dominating Spotify charts because instead of relying on heavy bass drops or electronic beats, TopHouse leans into rapid-fire bowing, punchy acoustic rhythms, and harmonies that feel both polished and a little bit wild. That’s what pulled me in specifically; each song is its own unique dance and story that keeps you moving (and moved) from start to finish.
Listening to TopHouse feels like being in on a secret. Their songs will start off soft and almost cinematic, then suddenly explode into foot-stomping instrumentals that make you want to clap along, even if you’re just sitting in your room doing homework. There’s an energy in their music that feels live, regardless of your listening venue. As someone who has witnessed their energy face to face, you can tell that they’re the kind of band that thrives on stage, feeding off each other and the crowd. Tophouse is amazing in your car, but they’re unforgettable on a stage. One of my favorite parts of their live shows is the song introductions — they always find clever ways to lead you on a lore dump or game of word play. These are 4 friends who clearly love the music they create and the opportunities they have to share it.
One of the coolest things about TopHouse is how they mix serious musical skill with pure fun. Bluegrass musicians are known for mastering complicated string instruments, and this band absolutely delivers. The fiddle runs are lightning fast, the lyrics add a level of depth that keeps the melody in your head, and the mandolin adds a bright, punchy spark. Their sound is layered and textured, one that seems to grow more complex with each listen. If you’re into bands like The 502’s, The Arcadian Wild, or The National Parks, you’re in the right place.
One of the best parts of their music is that it never feels showy or pretentious. Instead of giving “formal concert hall,” their vibe is more “jump around at a backyard show.” Their songs are adventurous and sometimes a little quirky, full of unexpected pauses and playful melodies. In a world where so much mainstream music follows the same formulas, TopHouse feels refreshingly different. If you’re looking to dive into them, I’ve included my top 5 songs below:
- Better is the End
- Slow and Steady
- Falling
- Morning Cup of Coffee
- Ready for Anything at All
