Small Towns
Dark Shadow, 2022
8/10
The trio that is Stillhouse Junkies are certainly making an impression wherever they go, and here Alissa Wolf (fiddle, vocals), Cody Tinnin (upright bass, vocals) and Fred Kosak (mandolin, guitar, vocals) showcase their hometown of Durango, Colorado with a dozen roots, blues, funk, swing and bluegrass tunes.
“Moonrise Over Ridgway” starts the listen with the warm harmony vocals complemented by string acrobatics in the timeless bluegrass climate, and “Over The Pass” follows with Fred Kosak’s skilled mandolin and soaring lead vocals helping make for a cautious yet melodic display of funky and groovy ideas.
Further along, “Never Going Back Again” showcases Tinnin’s expressive vocals amid Wolf’s stirring fiddle, while “Colorado Bound” has Kosak playing octave mandolin and back on lead vocals for the harmonic and uplifting song craft.
“El Camino”, the best track, places Wolf on lead vocals, as it emits lively solos and benefits much from Becky Buller on second fiddle, and “Haskell Town” exits with Tinnin’s pipes flowing alongside the driving bluegrass and lush demeanor.
A listen that’s full of heartfelt, emotive and sincere songwriting, Stillhouse Junkies are certainly paving their own path, and fans of legends like Gillian Welch, John Hiatt and The Wood Brothers will certainly want to pay close attention to this extremely talented outfit.
Travels well with: Damn Small Buildings- Sleeping Dogs; Fireside Collective- Across The Divide