In the Path of Pain

Album Review

Although this mandolin-guitar-bass trio play acoustic music with strong roots in Appalachian folk and bluegrass, it's certainly not traditional in nature. That's not just because all of the songs are written by the band. It's also because they're played with a rhythmic drive that's at least as much rock, or at times even a little punk, than most of even the most frenetic folk or bluegrass. Too, the vocals have a sarcasm-tinged snarl that places this a considerable distance from the more humble and reverent tones of early to mid-century Appalachian folk and bluegrass artists (and more contemporary revivalists of the form). While there's a bit of deadpan ironic anguish to their singing and songwriting, however, make no mistake: these fellows can play with infectious grit, and they know the source material to which they're giving a slight twist. The vocal harmonies (between mandolinist Tony Staub and guitarist Paul Wykowski) might not have the high lonesome purity of the bluegrass virtuosos, but they their rough-hewn blend is appropriate, and bassist Adam Sullivan adds deft jazzy runs as effective punctuation. While Waitin on a Train isn't the first to attempt this cowpunk-ish strain, they do it well, giving a contemporary spin on old-time music without succumbing to novelty humor.