Punch Brothers “The Phosphorescent Blues” Album Review
When I want to try and describe the pinnacle of virtuosity in music, there really is only one comparison I can make…and that is Punch Brothers. I have long been a fan of the work of all 5 of the wonderful musicians in this band. Whether it was growing up watching Nickelcreek, catching Paul Kowert with Haas and Tice at Passim’s intimate stage, listening to Gabe’s studio work with other musicians, staring dumbfoundedly at Noam Pikelny’s abilities on the banjo, or YouTubing bluegrass guitar videos with Chris Eldridge in extreme envy…or watching How to Grow a Band too many times to count. Just ask my wife how sick of me watching it she is. All 5 of the fellas have proven and prove again that they are staples of the budding roots music community and a large reason why the genre is doing so well in the mainstream today. There is a level where extreme talent and stretching of musical boundaries lives, then there is another level above that where the music of the Punch Brothers sits. Their latest, Phosphorescent Blues is just another notch on the belt of why these gentlemen are the epitome of the cross pollination of genres and why it just works so damn well.
The addition of drums in tracks like ‘Familiarity’ add a whole new depth and layer, an excitement, to the music I have grown to love from the quintet. Harmonies bordering on rich, church choir sprinkle in the folds of the track as well. 10 minutes? Yup, a cascading event of a song, ups and downs, and I am at peak attention for the duration with each section slightly different, yet equally as riveting as the last.
The high cry of the vocal harmonies in “Julep” is nothing short of sublime. Beautifully arranged and sang. The rise and fall of the song, is again like its predecessor, really exciting.
“My Oh My” kicks in with a thumping, pounding beat. It has a funk and groove to it right off the bat and an energy that is slightly more feverous than some of the other tracks, an nice balance.
Phosphorescent Blues lends us that ‘dreamy, interwoven landscape’ that we have come to expect from Punch Brothers. The tangling of 5 instruments to create gorgeous tapestries of sound and attain unbelievable feats with them at times. Though Thile’s mandolin prowess often overshadows the fact, I don’t think audiences can ignore the truth that he has an absolutely phenomenal voice that shines through on many of the songs. He sings almost effortlessly and the added vocals from the other fellas in the band is pure magic. The songwriting here is also a highlight, something again often overshadowed by the genius of the instrumentation.
The music on ‘Phosphorescent’ feels a bit looser, a bit more relaxed and fluid. And as the writing sessions for the record would indicate, the band also felt that way. Less stressed and rigid. I think that did the final product a bit of justice as it just has a vibe that you can kind of latch onto and breeze along with.
This music certainly isn’t for every listener, then again what music is? There is obviously a keen focus on pushing the envelope of what an instrument can do and how it can speak with 4 others, crossing back and forth over the line of classical, bluegrass, jazz, and back again. Being able to take what skill is required to play this music and arrange it how the band does, then make that accessible to a broad audience is something of a phenomenon.
For me, the boys again impress immensely with “Phosphorescent Blues”. This is another true masterpiece from the Punch Brothers.
Do yourself a favor and purchase this record today.
