The Stetson Family

Another fantastic local country release with integrity and chops from a Melbourne old time/bluegrass quintet The Stetson Family. These guys have clearly listened closely to the likes of the Carter Family and Stanley Brothers and have come up with a banjo/harmony driven sound that is clean and fulfilling. It is really gratifying to hear younger bands digging up the roots and soul of country music like this and adding their own personalities.
With a name like Nadine Budge, the Stetson's lead singer was born to sing country music (hard to believe such a name could come out of suburban Australia!). The remainder of the line up is a very traditional one - acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo(actually played like a banjo, not like a guitarist fumbling on a banjo). Recording guests include local luminaries Liz Stringer and Jordie Lane. The absence of drums is significant and helps give the music an authentic old-timey feel.
Of the seven tracks presented here, four are strong originals, including the title track and Budge's heartbreacking "Dark Side of Town". There are also covers of Lucinda Williams' "Jackson", Earl Scruggs' "Nashville Blues" and their own arrangement of a traditional tune"Old Paint".
The Family are currently in the process of recording a début full-length and if its half as classy as this I cant wait to hear it. - Rhythms