To call the sound that greets you as the title track kicks off this, The Mighty Pines’ third album, as roots-pop might make things sound a bit saccharine or overly commercial, but that isn’t my intention. But there is something so pop-aware about the way the band engage with the listener; it’s just that their infectiousness is born of all the things that make the roots sound so enduring – lilting mandolins, soaring, sing-along harmonies, dancable grooves, deft musicianship and delicate, nuanced sonic layering.
And as if to secure their roots credentials, ‘Down By the River’ is a beat-and-bass-driven bluegrass stomp, a blend of simple rhythms and virtuoso picking and playing. But if you think you have them pegged in those two songs, ‘Juniper’ shows that they can effortlessly and easily shift down a few gears and transform into the most sensational bluesy-soul band of the moment.
‘Behind the Times’ is a gorgeous blend of violin swirls and beautiful dynamic lulls, ‘The Fire’ is hushed singer-songwriter understatement with just the right less is more attitude, and ‘Tennessee Magnolia’ ends things with a nice slice of contemporary country-rock.
If you are unsure what the broad term “roots music” means, give Good Luck, Nice To Meet You a spin; it’s a virtual history lesson in the genre, past, present and future.
