The Enchanted World
Howlin’ Dog, 2023
8/10
The New Mexico trio The Rifters bring their ‘Southwestern Americana’ to this 7th album, where their rhythmic and acoustic fueled formula suits the mountains, valleys and canyons of where they live.
“The Circle” gets the listen off to a warm start, where expressive singing and soothing vocal harmonies flow from the trio’s cautious delivery, and “The Greatest Mystery” follows with carefully plucked mandolin amid the poetic climate of folk beauty.
Further along, the upbeat and playful “At The Foot Of The Mountain” benefits much from Jim Bradley’s well timed bass, while “The Dollar Worth Of Mother Earth” tugs on the heartstrings with its emotive quality that makes great use of Don Richmond’s aching pedal steel.
Nearing the end, the deep voice from Rod Taylor guides the introspective landscape of “That Lucky Old Sun”, and “Gentle On My Mind” exits with Richmond’s frisky banjo making an indelible impression in the bluegrass influenced finish.
There’s a great mix of originals and covers here, as the 3 turn their desert life into sweet, harmonic and timeless song craft that’s the musical equivalent of an old friend coming for a long, overdue visit.
Travels well with: Kenny Shore- Time Stands Still; Wyatt Easterling- From Where I Stand