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Nickel Creek Why Should the Fire Die? Release Date: 08/09/05 Score: 9.2 out of 10.0 |
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So what happens when the bluegrass kings start getting old? And when I say old, I'm saying they're now in their mid-20's. Nickel Creek's third proper album is arguably their best one yet, and that is saying quite a bit, considering their previous track record of hits.
While remaining on Sugar Hill Records, they have removed Allison Krauss from the producer helm and replaced her with pop punk producers Tony Berg and Eric Valentine. The result is by far and away the most accessible and ground breaking bluegrass record from the band to date. They are darker, edgier, and louder than ever. Many of the tracks are borderline pop rock songs. Take for instance, "Helena" which is at its core not even a bluegrass track. The song is heavy on guitars and vocals, atypical of a Nickel Creek song.
But that's not to mention the bluegrass roots of Nickel Creek are gone, because they are by no means transparent. "Tommorow is a Long Time" features Sara Watkins covering the Bob Dylan track with a bluegrass twist. It's something you'd hear in one of the previous Nickel Creek releases, not so much here. But that also shows the variety you hear on this record. There are songs that are even post-rock like such as the haunting "First and Last Waltz."
Nickel Creek's best work has always been their instrument skills and nothing shows their powers better than the progressive "Scotch and Chocolate", one of their best tracks to date.
These guys have matured, and their music has become a bit more pop sensical yet at the same time, keeps a very eclectic feel to it. It's definately darker and moodier, yet much more explosive than ever.
-Anthony Nguyen
August 28, 2005
