Orchids and Violence

A talented young guitarist and immediately likeable singer, Michael Daves made one of the most enjoyable bluegrass albums of recent years, Sleep With One Eye Open. An explosive duo set with Chris Thile, it reminded you just how thrilling straight-up, spontaneous, live bluegrass can be. Orchids and Violence is another extremely welcome reminder. ‘June Apple’, the opener, explodes out of the gate, with perfectly judged banjo and mandolin solos courtesy of Noam Pikelny and Sarah Jarosz. On ‘Darling Corey’, Daves channels all the hyperventilating energy of the best 50s rockabillly stars.

What's even more impressive, is that, having delivered an excellent bluegrass album, Daves then gives us its grungy rock cousin: the same songs rearranged for rock band. While good on its own terms, it doesn’t match the rollercoaster thrills and spills of the acoustic set. Nevertheless, there is a bar here that Michael Daves has effortlessly raised; anyone with any interest in American roots music or folk-rock should listen to this album.