Emotionalism (Bonus Track Version)

The plucking banjos, anarchic vocals and roughshod production help this North Carolina trio sound like a cross between centuries old mountain music and angry young punk upstarts. It’s a front porch jamboree with folks versed in Roscoe Holcomb and the Sex Pistols. Emotionlism is the group’s sixth album and continues their restless foray into the backwoods of Bluegrass, country, blues, Appalachian folk and punk rock energy. But while the group retains a manic energy, they never sacrifice their precision. The two brothers, Scott and Seth, with New Jersey expatriate Bob Crawford, are loose and wild, but rarely sloppy. Their rich harmonies even recall the early Beatles, as “Will You Return?” mirrors the fresh enthusiasm of the Fab Four circa Please Please Me. “The Ballad of Love and Hate” is an exquisitely written tale tracing the ups and downs of romantic love. “Salina” quiets things with piano and cello. “Pretty Girl from San Diego” adds slight Spanish accents. But it’s the Hootenanny! styled sing-outs of “Paranoia in B Flat Major” and “Go To Sleep” that best define the group’s sweet spot.