On The Creek
Crippled Hound, 2023
8/10
The brothers Rich Kwait and Rob Kwait put out a couple records 20 years ago under the Kwait Brothers Band, but these days as Cabin Dogs they welcome several more members to flesh out their folk, country, blues and rock sounds on this 6th studio album has them firmly planted in the sounds of the ‘70s.
“Everybody Loves The Sun” opens the listen with breezy acoustic guitar and Ron DiSilvestro’s fluid drumming populating the melodic folk-rock, and “Grover” follows with David Streim’s warm piano complementing the expressive singing in the lush climate.
Further on, the intimate “Make It On Time” benefits much from Isaac Stanford’s glowing pedal steel amid the poetic singing, while “M. Moon” showcases Adam Monaco’s bright mandolin for the very pretty, bluegrass friendly album highlight.
The last 2 tracks are excellent, too, where “Kitchen Door” uses Rob’s bass strategically and helps cultivate a playful, rural spirit, and “Indian Fort” exits with bouncy bass work and dreamy textures for the very cozy, timeless finish.
A very charming and easily enjoyable listen of songs that certainly bring us back to simpler times, the brothers bring a wealth of talent and an excellent cast of players to 13 well thought out tracks.
Travels well with: Hollis Brown- In The Aftermath; Patrick Sweany- Close To The Floor