Straighten The Curves
Mountain Home, 2019
8/10
Listen to Straighten The Curves
In their decade and a half career, The Grascals have done just about everything a band would want to do, including playing some of the most legendary venues, racking up multiple Grammy Nominations, as well as many late night TV appearances.
Straighten The Curves, their 11th album, brings new member Chris Davis into the fold as their esteemed brand of country, bluegrass and gospel has never sounded better.
“My Virginia Mama” starts the album strong with vocal harmonies, crisp instrumentation and precise bluegrass sounds, and “Callin’ Your Name” follows with cautious melodies in the rural oriented fun.
Of the ballads, “Don’t Leave Your Memory Behind” is especially pretty with pensive picking and emotive singing amid country influences, while the mandolin acrobatics of “AndiWayne” go the opposite direction with an upbeat and festive instrumental setting.
One of the album’s best, though, is their version of Eddie Rabbit’s “Drivin’ My Life Away”, where the playful banjos illuminate the atmosphere, though the warm gospel and breezy melodies of “What Does God Look Like” are a close second.
One of the most noted modern bluegrass outfits, The Grascals are a prime example of the power of bluegrass music, and their skilled picking, soaring harmonies and timeless song craft are moving them into legendary status very quickly.
Travels well with: The Cleverlys- Blue; Dailey & Vincent- Patriots & Poets