The surreal and decadent cover painting by the late Michael Foster is an odd choice for a conventional album of rustic country rock songs.
This is the fourth release from a band that have existed in various combinations for the best part of fifteen years and are currently down to a core of three : Joe Armstrong, Matt De Harp and Mark Mulholland. This trio of ex-buskers are based in Berlin, sound like Americans but actually originate from Scotland and France.
What they label ironically as "scrunge-grass" is a melodic and mostly acoustic collection of fourteen original songs in the style of The Flying Burrito Brothers.
In true democratic fashion, each of the three contribute songs and takes a turn on vocals. Special guests add fiddle, pedal steel, organ and, on Pioneertown, sleigh bells! A Ms Sister Chain shares the vocals on the track Floating Through.
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Their songs are tinged with nostalgia but come with a reassuringly optimistic slant that can best be described as solid yet predictable.
On Mulholland's Keep Holding On the message is one of perseverance in the face of life's complications and this philosophy exemplifies the feel good factor that underpins all the songs.
As such, they seem like the sort of group who you could count on as a live act and the album is a good calling card with tunes that foster the illusion that all is right with the world.
Two Dollar Bash's Website
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