Pressing Onward
Bonfire, 2021
8/10
The exceptional trio The Barefoot Movement are back with 10 new recordings, where Noah Wall, Tommy Norris and Katie Blomarz toss in a few covers amid their diverse formula that’s rooted in bluegrass, but also embraces folk, Americana and even blues.
“Back Behind The Wheel” starts the listen with Wall’s warm fiddle and soaring, pretty vocals guiding the bluegrass tinted climate that’s not short on melody and benefits much from Joshua Hunt’s thumping drums, and “Someday” follows with sublime vocal harmonies in a dreamy setting of folk influenced song craft.
“Anywhere I Plant My Feet” occupies the middle spot and gets playful with Blomarz’s frisky bass and Norris’ mandolin acrobatics, while “Find The Way Back” flows with a calm appeal of warm banjo and soft guitar from Alex Conerly, as very poetic landscape unfolds. “It Won’t Matter Anymore”, a song popularized by Buddy Holly but penned by Paul Anka, then has the band putting a cautious spin on the classic with much beauty that includes Blomarz’s first time stepping into lead vocals on an album.
Close to the end, “Easy” is stripped back with soothing backing vocals, Walls’ eloquent pipes and emotive fiddle, and “Touch The Sky” exits the listen and bursts into a swift and busy bluegrass rocker that emits a punchy and lively spirit that you can’t help but be enamored with.
Conerly and Hunt’s contributions here are very much appreciated, and the trio’s unique chemistry sounds better than ever as they continue to carve out a distinct and memorable place to reside in modern roots rock.
Travels well with: Trout Steak Revival- The Light We Bring; Dori Freeman- Ten Thousand Roses