The Greencards
The Brick Album (Darling Secret)
Reviewed by Jim Caligiuri, Fri., Sept. 16, 2011
The Greencards
The Brick Album (Darling Street)It's called The Brick Album because the band invited its fan base to donate or "buy a brick" in support of the recording. And yet, the Greencards' fifth disc isn't so much about expanding on the former locals' tricky newgrass folk-pop as it is about digging in the best they can, which is pretty damn good. Instrumental champs without being ostentatious, mandolin player Kym Warner and guitarist Carl Miner stand toe-to-toe with guest mandolin superpicker Sam Bush on evocative set opener "Make It Out West." Then bassist Carol Young offers up "Heart Fixer," a smooth duet with Vince Gill that upends any ideas of hackneyed heartbreakers. Not as adventurous as some of their past work and downright sugary in spots, The Brick Album builds no walls around its down-home picking and singing. (1:20pm, Austin Ventures stage)
