4.0
Pinecastle, 2021
8/10
The bluegrass stars The Farm Hands are back with another batch of timeless gems, and this version of the band brings Tim Graves, Kimberly Bibb, Kelsey Crews, David Mansfield III and Bryan Graves to 13 new tracks where all members sing and contribute their respective instrumental talent.
“Pride” starts the listen with warm strings and sublime vocal harmonies in the rural flavored melodies, and “Circle Of Wood” follows with a calmer spirit of beauty amid precisely picked strings.
Near the middle, “Shoal Creek Road” takes a very cautious approach initially before bursting into soaring string dynamics as country rock ideas enter their flourishing brand of bluegrass, while “This World Of Mine” displays incredible fiddle prowess amid radiant singing. “Cuttin’ The Grass” then gets swift, playful and instantly memorable in its instrumental climate.
Not far from the finish, the gospel influenced “He’s My Rock And Salvation” showcases much emotion and power in its sincere execution, and “I Wanted To Be Saved” exits the listen gentle, stirring and with a memorableness that has characterized all of their music to date.
As a five piece now, The Farm Hands again prove just why they are one of the best in today’s modern bluegrass scene, and anyone with an ear for banjo, fiddle, mandolin, reso guitar and harmony vocals won’t be disappointed with 4.0.
Travels well with: Bobby & Teddi Cyrus- Bobby & Teddi Cyrus; Williamson Branch- Heritage & Hope