Self-released

It may be a surprise to learn that Australia has a thriving country music scene, with national bluegrass championships and all. But even more surprising might be that one of the newest sensations in Nashville, Tenn. today is a band fronted by Aussies – Carol Young (vocals) and Kym Warner (mandolin) – cheekily named The Greencards. The band’s fifth release, The Brick Album, walks the line between the progressive and traditional. Pop hooks become the product of fiddle riffs ( “Here Lies John” ), and gossamer, Alison Krauss-like ballads ( “Faded” ) adopt a jazz swing, as the quartet unapologetically explores the frontiers of newgrass. And though the album’s exotic flair is compelling, guest performances by Sam Bush ( “Make It Out West” ) and Vince Gill ( “Heart Fixer” ) may also convince bluegrass purists to take note.