This Side
This Side gives Nickel Creek plenty of room between bluegrass and pop. Mandolin, fiddle and guitar remain clearly recognisable, but the band do not treat them as a reason to stay within fixed boundaries. The songs are accessible and the harmonies beautifully judged. Enough happens beneath that first impression to keep the music interesting.
Alison Krauss' production helps the individual parts retain their own places. The sound is open and the instruments have space. Precise interaction consequently avoids becoming a busy collection of details. On the quiet Speak, a small movement can matter a great deal; Beauty And The Mess chooses a darker character.
Their version of Pavement's Spit On A Stranger makes the band's curiosity especially clear. It belongs among the other songs without hiding its indie-rock origins. Nickel Creek give it a light, playful movement and convincingly make it their own.
I Should've Known Better has a much more unsettling foundation. Sara Watkins' voice meets dissonant strings and lower backing vocals, strengthening the bitterness. The traditional House Carpenter receives a restrained, sombre treatment. The band need not increase the pace to maintain tension.
On Green And Gray, Edgar Meyer's bowed bass adds weight to the waltz rhythm. It is a fine example of details helping a song develop. The more accessible title track does not quite have that same individuality, although the performance remains assured.
That variety makes This Side convincing. Nickel Creek can play brilliantly without constantly demonstrating their speed. Melodies and voices matter more. The trio use their technique to open up the music, creating a warm, adventurous record that readily encourages further listening. There is a clear way into each song without the arrangements having to become ordinary.
