Wise River
Self-Released, 2022
9/10
The Montana sensations Kitchen Dwellers, i.e. Shawn Swain [Mandolin], Torrin Daniels [banjo], Joe Funk [upright bass], and Max Davies [acoustic guitar], return with this 3rd album, where the lack of touring due to the pandemic allowed the band to make their most introspective and rich album to date.
The title track opens the listen with warm banjo as the soaring and expressive vocals help cultivate a flowing bluegrass climate, and “Drowing (…Again)” follows with glorious string interaction that glides with a swift, rural flavor that possesses much beauty and grit, too.
At the halfway point, “Sundown” leads with some mysterious atmosphere before the thumping drums and firm mandolin land in more forceful rock territory, while “Bottom Shelf” recruits timeless folk qualities to the lyrically poetic album highlight.
Approaching the end, “Years Of My Life” benefits much from the strategically plucked bass as the banjo and mandolin radiate warmth, and “Their Names Are The Trees” exits with all the members turning in stunning, melodic and meticulous performances.
A listen that meshes the best elements of bluegrass, folk and rock sounds, although this album was recorded in Minneapolis, it sure seems suited for mountain life, and the shades of Americana and psychedelia only add that much more appeal.
Travels well with: Old Salt Union- Where The Dog’s Don’t Bite; Them Coulee Boys- Die Happy