Greensky Bluegrass is a quintet from Michigan that formed around the turn of the century. They have provided for a free download of an EP that features five new studio tracks from their forthcoming album "Handguns." It will be their fourth.
The half-hour sneak peek shows impressive diversity for a group that includes the genre in their name. All the staples of bluegrass are present: banjo, mandolin, upright bass, heartbreaking ballads. Most of the tracks are fairly straight forward, yet catchy and elevated examples of the form. "Don't Lie" and "Cold Feet" are particularly wrenching displays of loss and wonder that are essential to bluegrass.
But they aren't afraid to deviate from their namesake. "I'd Probably Kill You" is a really standout tune that starts like another hum-along about revenge, but as the track builds another familiar sound fades in. The horn section adds an incredible layer that takes the listener from Appalachia to New Orleans and blends jazz elements into the train-like rhythm.
The selection rounds out with a lengthy eleven minute that provides an excellent platform to display all of their talents. Featuring more rock-solid song writing as well as bouncy solos that are much more extensive and expected during their live performances.
Greensky Bluegrass does an exceptional job filling out the tracks in the absence of percussion instruments. The rhythm section comes from the various strumming and picking patterns that lays down a solid foundation to build around. I'd definitely recommend downloading the "Handguns EP" and look for the full-length album due out October 4.
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