All In Time
Organic, 2022
8/10
An institution in the area of southern roots, bluegrass and rock and roll, this first album on the Organic label has Acoustic Syndicate, i.e. Steve McMurry (acoustic guitar, vocals), Bryon McMurry (acoustic banjo, electric guitar, vocals), Fitz McMurry (drums, vocals) and Jay Sanders (bass, vocals) delivering their signature jamgrass sounds with plenty of fluid and rich textures.
The title track opens the listen with much atmosphere, as the soft singing guides the cautious instrumentation that’s quite emotive, and “Bright Lights” follows with plenty of rock and roll spirit amid the thumping drums and rugged yet tuneful climate.
Halfway through, “Man Inside” uses firm acoustic guitar and well timed banjo for a soaring album highlight, while “Simple Dream” emits a breezy quality that showcases the complex bass lines and swirling guitars.
Nearing the end, the intimate and warm “Sunny” is full of graceful, rich song craft, and Lou Reed’s “Rock And Roll” exits the listen with an upbeat flavor that’s jam band friendly and with plenty of bluegrass nods, too.
No matter where you start in Acoustic Syndicate’s glowing catalog of music, you won’t be disappointed, and the covers and originals here are very much a testament to their time honored formula that will always be relevant.
Travels well with: Aaron Burdett- Dream Rich, Dirt Poor; Jeremy Garrett- Circles