King of My Mind

To start with, Flats and Sharps must be the most audaciously tenuous bluegrass pun-based name around. Yet it is totally redeemed by this group of fine musicians, who join that select line-up of people doing new and beautiful things with the long-loved bluegrass genre. Layers of all sorts of other influences are placed on a base of bluegrass to form a Leviathan of an album with a driving beat, stunning musicianship and superb songwriting. You could call this ‘newgrass’; at times they recall the innovative and skilful Punch Brothers. Yet this string band have their own unique sound. This debut album is a fine display of their abilities and intentions, showcasing a couple of guest artists and containing 11 originals alongside three tasty covers. Their virtuosity can’t be understated and there is ample opportunity to hear it. Tracks such as Jesse Fuller's ‘Ninety-Nine Years and One Dark Day’ are bursting with mandolin solos and hot banjo licks. Having been together for five years, the band have only just hit the recorded music scene, but I already can’t wait for their next album.