Hiyo
Yep Roc, 2023
9/10
Now 10 studio albums deep, the veteran bluegrass legends Chatham County Line make a turn into songwriting that embraces synth, drums and other sonic ideas that stray from their usual route.
The 10 track albums opens with the soft “Right On Time”, where Dave Wilson’s warm guitar is met with glowing vocal harmonies and Jamie Dick’s thumping drums, and “Magic” follows with playful synth adding an electronic component to the rootsy flavor of the dreamy climate.
The middle track belongs to “Lone Ranger”, where a cozy sense of ambience flows with a nearly prog-rock feel, while “Under The Willow Tree” makes great use of John Mailander’s agile fiddle via the blurry, rural song craft.
“Stone” and “Summerline” exit the listen, as the former comes with some of best singing thanks to the poetic delivery that emits a heartfelt, folk friendly demeanor, and the latter focuses on piano for the bare, stirring finish.
Certainly a different path for the band, but yet with their Americana and bluegrass ways present, Dave Wilson’s songwriting is as rich as ever, and the stories of love, heartbreak, joy and sorrow still resonate as much as the rest of their catalog.
Travels well with: Steep Canyon Rangers- Out In The Open; Hot Buttered Rum- Lonesome Panoramic