A Smooth Burn: The Whiskey Boys “As I Fall” EP Released

The Whiskey Boys often draw comparisons to progressive bluegrass bands, new grass or chamber grass or whatever the hip description is. The basic elements and foundation is pretty easy to explain: virtuosity blended with infectious melody and writing. Whatever you want to call it, there is no doubt that comparisons to that other brotherly bluegrass outfit HIT the target (I’m trying to reach here, but yes, they often times hit Punch Brothers-esque acrobatics on their instruments with smart and pensive arrangements).

With “As I Fall” bandleader and fiddler David Delaney has really found his voice. He sings with a strength and unbridled ease that is both comfortable to listen to but also pleasant and on point. The songs here, while occasionally drifting into the moderately downtrodden, have a way in driving forward. As the instruments pulse in unison beneath Delaney’s vocal on “Let’s Just Get This Over With”, its almost representative of a heart beat calling out. The harmonies on the closing track “Isn’t It Isn’t It” are warm and honeyed. Fiddles soar and banjos roll…and thats a beautiful thing.