Don’t Blink
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The duo of Andy Rogovin (vocals, guitars) and Monique Byrne (vocals, banjo), as Crowes Pasture they welcome plenty of guests to these folk and Americana songs that are harmonic, melodic and soulful.
The title track opens the listen with Rogovin’s expressive voice amid Byrne’s pretty delivery that benefits from warm banjo and Andy Reiner’s glowing fiddle, and “If I Should Fall Behind” follows with a poetic quality that focuses on Byrne’s eloquent singing amid the soft melodies and strong attention to mood.
At the halfway point, “Agree On” emits Alice Hasen’s fluid fiddle playing that complements the bluegrass nods of the lush album highlight, while “Diamonds” touches on timeless folk ideas that illustrate cozy vocal harmonizing alongside much organic beauty.
“Barranco” and “Take Back The Red, White And Blue” exit the listen, where the former is a bit chunkier and soars with more emphasis on percussion thanks to Eric M Lichter, and the latter finishes with Robin Batteau on fiddle and Neale Eckstein on bass for the vivid storytelling of the intimate and timeless closer.
Surprisingly, the pair only discovered their musical chemistry when singing to their kids after meeting as corporate lawyers, but they’re harvesting that ability into some first rate folk/Americana that’s heartfelt and captivating.
Travels well with: Melissa Ruth- Bones; Hanneke Cassel- Infinite Brightness