Overthinking

It's impossible to define just what Bluestring does on this album, but whatever it is, it's glorious. Elements of country, jazz, and funk-rock swirl together in a way that is genuinely unique -- and there's not much that's unique in rock, but these guys have found a sound that's really theirs. Ted Pennington's violin work is amazing, switching from jazz licks to a classical sound to country fiddle in a way that is seamless, and Brad Thomas' sax work is impeccable. Bluestring is as tight as any veteran band with a pile of albums, and Clay Evans is both an able singer and a songwriter with a gift for understatement and irony. This is an amazing debut album from a young band with plenty of ideas and talent.