High Country

Everything evolves, including music. Even genres like bluegrass, whose very foundation is tradition itself, can’t escape the effect of time and change. On their most recent release, Silver Sky, The Infamous Stringdusters are embracing that idea and allowing their gradual evolution toward newgrass to fully take hold. The Nashville, Tenn.-based troupe’s first effort since the departure of founding mandolin player, Jesse Cobb, proves to be a collection of fresh sounding and colorful tracks replete with accessible songwriting and inspired hook lines. Outside producer Billy Hume, renowned for his hip-hop work (Nas, Ludacris), helps to give a novel edge to timeless tales of regret ( “Don’t Mean Nothin’” ) and wandering hearts ( “The Hitchhiker” ). Laid back vibes ( “Night on the River” ), psychedelic wanderings ( “Heady Festy” ) and even a Police cover ( “Walking on the Moon” ) further confirm that this is not the bluegrass of yesteryear, but rather one which honors the past, while boldly looking toward the future.