Ok To Wonder
Self-Released, 2023
9/10
Tom Andersen, Zac Archuleta, Ethan Bush and Adam Collins, i.e. Arkansauce, return with their 5th album, and like all of their work, it’s a mountainesque version of bluegrass that’s technically proficient and full of improvised strings that come with songs of insight and whimsy.
“Up On The Shelf” opens the listen with Bush’s radiant mandolin alongside the harmonic vocals that complement the swift melodies, and “Big City Chicken” follows with very agile picking dynamics that flow with a lush, organic feel.
In the middle, the dreamy “Bim Batta” makes great use out of Archuleta’s precise guitar amid the swift banjo from Collins and hip-hop nods, while “Early Bird” emits a sublime intimacy that is very much focused on atmosphere and warmth.
“How Time Flies”, the best tune, lands near the end, and showcases vivid storytelling in the timeless bluegrass formula, and “Air Bender” exits with swirling banjo and meticulous picking that illuminates Andersen’s excellent bass prowess.
A highly progressive, complicated and rhythmic affair, Arkansauce are clearly paving their own path in the area of bluegrass, and we’re all better off for it.
Travels well with: Kitchen Dwellers- Wise River; Old Salt Union- Where The Dogs Don’t Bite