That Nashville Sound receives many different CD releases throughout the year from indie, bluegrass and artists just off the mainstream radar- or smaller projects like EPs- that we’re doing short mini CD reviews on. We call them That Nashville Soundbites- it’s a feature that will allow us to give some props to some albums and artists that deserve a spotlight on their work.
Release Date: May 2010
Music Label: Tydal Wave Records
The Skinny: The band’s music has been described as “a breathtaking blast of manic musical virtuosity.” It certainly is an eclectic mix of several acoustic musical genres, leaning heaviest on country and bluegrass. Shupe calls it PostHeeHawFunkadelicHipHopNewGrass. The band is probably best known for their hit single “Dream Big” from earlier this decade. This release is a hit and miss collection of songs that represents their excellent instrumentation and sense of humor fairly well. Highlights include the funny ode to getting your ass kicked in “He Knows Karate,” a second take on their “Dream Big” single in “Keep Believing” and the spiritual song of prayer on “How Could I.” Its themes skew a little younger here interestingly enough with school and juvenile themes on a couple tracks. Outside of “Karate,” they’re strongest on the more serious and older messages.
Sounds Like: One of those crazy Pablo Picasso paintings in country sound
Standout Tracks: Meant To Be, Cry, Lift Me Up, He Knows Karate, Keep Believing, How Could I
The Verdict: Three stars out of five
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