Where The Dogs Don’t Bite
Compass, 2019
8/10
Listen to Where The Dogs Don’t Bite
A band who have defied classification since their inception in 2012, the Belleville, Illinois outfit Old Salt Union return with another batch of their jazz, jam, folk and roots influenced ‘modern-grass’ formula.
“God You Don’t Need” starts the listen with warm acoustic instrumentation and elegant strings that quickly pick up the pace with soaring vocals in a thriving bluegrass setting, and “Tell Me So” follows with swift sounds in a rural jam of timeless beauty and melody.
Elsewhere, “Ebb & Flow” recruits a country spirit with sublime vocal melodies, while “Big Dreams, Small Talk” brings incredible finger acrobatics to the moving, meticulous highlight.
Near the end, “Promised Land” offers a cautious display of dynamic talent and strong vocal work, and “Holdin’ On” ends with banjo fun on an emotive exit with sweeping grace.
A band that embrace traditional bluegrass concepts but who are also very innovative with their craft, Old Salt Union have released an album just about every year that they’ve existed, and they’re only getting better with each subsequent recording. Where The Dogs Don’t Bite is their best yet, and an ideal listen for all fans of Americana, folk and bluegrass.
Travels well with: Greensky Bluegrass- Shouted, Written Down & Quoted; Shook Twins- Some Good Lives