A very sophisticated and largely academic take on traditional folk forms,
NewGrange's debut is an interesting combination of smooth bluegrass, jazz, contemporary folk, and somewhat classical leanings. However studied and precise their sound may be,
NewGrange avoids having their songs come across as museum pieces, as they inject a lively and tangible sound throughout. Though using mostly standard bluegrass instrumentation, the addition of a piano and adventurous time signatures gives many of the 12 tracks a more contemporary feel. Taking traditional tunes like
"Handsome Molly," the spirited and soaring
"Sally Ann," and the gospel tune
"Rock in a Weary Land" reveals a band capable of updating these songs for the 21st century. The original contributions do not fail to impress either, with banjoist extraordinaire
Allison Brown delivering a British folk-influenced instrumental in
"Weetabix" and
Mike Marshall's complex arrangement in
"Shoot the Moon," both speaking volumes for the immense talents at work. In the end,
NewGrange may not be your grandfather's bluegrass, but they are still altogether worthy of considerable accolades. ~ Matt Fink
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