Try some Punch

The Punch Brothers is a bluegrass band that is making its debut with Punch. By far the most famous member of the band is Chris Thile, the former mandolin player from popular country/bluegrass band Nickel Creek. Thile also released an acclaimed solo album in 2006. The other members of the Punch Brothers played on that album, essentially bringing the band into existence.
The first track on Punch is the fast-paced country/bluegrass tune “Punch Bowl.” This song is dominated by Thile’s mandolin and Gabe Witcher’s vigorous fiddle playing. Thile’s voice soars on lead vocals during the first part of the song and softens for the bouncy chorus, before picking up the pace again. The song presents a virtual mix of bluegrass and country, with just a little rock thrown in.
The next song on the album is the first of four movements in the more-than-40-minute suite “The Blind Leaving The Blind.” The first movement seems to be an exercise in genre, starting off with a mix of classical and jazz, before going into an ambient section of the song that has only Thile singing softly and slowly strumming on his mandolin. This part of the song sounds like it could be a ballad on an album by Dave Matthews Band or Sister Hazel.
The four movements range from just under nine minutes to more than 12 minutes in length. They are full of changing tempos and melodies and could be described as soft bluegrass meets classical.
“Nothing, Then” is a soft number that sounds reminiscent of Crosby, Stills and Nash with their use of harmonized vocals. Thile’s voice is soft as ever throughout this track, as it sounds more like an experimental mix between folk rock and classical.
Punch is a versatile work; it’s rare that an album plays with genres as varied as bluegrass, country and classical, with just a dash of mainstream rock. Though not for everyone, this album would be a good listen for any bluegrass or “newgrass” fan, or anyone who likes to listen to music that is vastly different from what is on radio and TV.
Punch delivers the punch needed for a consistently strong album.