Letters in the DeepCADILLAC SKY

Letters in the Deep

[Dualtone]

Never known as a strictly bluegrass band, Cadillac Sky continues its musical evolution. With the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach on board as producer, the group incorporates rock elements (would Bill Monroe have ever used a Mellotron?) without abandoning their acoustic roots. Newcomer David Mayfield makes his presence known with a stinging electric guitar run on the opening cut, “Trapped Under the Ice.” “Trash Bag” starts with airy Beach Boy-like harmonies and piano while later, the fiery fiddle work recalls Zeppelin’s “Kashmir.” The band further reveals its rock soul in “Bathsheeba,” an exuberant grunge-grass number. The group impressively shifts musical gears throughout Letters in the Deep—going rugged and rootsy on “Break My Heart Again” and “3rd Degree,” then easing back effortlessly on lovely, laidback gems “Human Cannonball” and “Ballad of Restored Confidence.” With album number three, the members of Cadillac Sky prove to be inventive Americana explorers well worth following.

–Michael Berick

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