A Hundred Highways
Rock Ridge, 2024
8/10
The Southern California folk outfit Moonsville Collective returns with their 4th album, where a collaborative appeal explores intimate friendships renewed and severed, and the ups and downs of marriage and fatherhood.
“Ain’t Got A Home” starts the listen with Phillip Glenn’s glowing fiddle that complements the soaring vocal harmonies, and “Helen Highway” follows with Dan Richardson’s cozy dobro that suits the breezy melodies of the cautious mood.
Into the middle, “Long Gone” benefits much from bright storytelling amid Seth Richardson’s precise bass and the smooth group vocals, while “Done Wrong” is a more raw moment of bare instrumentation and emotive singing that highlights Glenn’s banjo prowess.
Close to the end, the meticulous string interaction of “I Like Drinking Beer” carries a festive spirit, and “Relax Your Mind” comes with plenty of rhythm, as Matthew McQueen’s skilled mandolin won’t go unnoticed in the charming exit.
A rich listen that meshes country, bluegrass, folk, Americana and no lack of rootsy spirit, the 11 tracks here are packed with old time sensibilities that you can’t not enjoy.
Travels well with: Mike Thomas- Diamonds; Julian Taylor- Beyond The Reservoir