Brightest Of Days
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The progressive bluegrass wizards Sicard Hollow return with a sophomore album, where the Nashville quartet bring a punk and psychedelic spirit to the improvisational and technical 8 tracks.
The title track is placed in the lead off position, where poetic singing and warm guitar are met with swift fiddle and plenty of melody, and “Where I’m At” follows with intricate mandolin and a bit of grit in the flowing bluegrass.
At the halfway point, “Escape The Unknown” is not short on harmonies amid the emotive fiddle acrobatics and more rugged demeanor, while “Metamorphic Prophecy” is a bit blurry initially before settling into a meticulous, soaring album highlight.
The final two tracks, “Bound To Die” and “Forecast Of Life”, don’t disappoint either, where the former emits much beauty alongside the careful stringed interaction, and the latter exits with a quick, dynamic and timeless bluegrass appeal.
Alex King (guitar, vocals), Will Herrin (mandolin, vocals), Matthew Rennick (fiddle, harmony vocals) and Parrish Gabriel (bass, harmony vocals) make up the band, and if your interests are anywhere near bluegrass, you’re going to be understandably impressed with their charming and innovative formula.
Travels well with: Fireside Collective- Across The Divide; Kitchen Dwellers- Wise River