Toward the Fray
Toward the Fray connects the liveliness of The Infamous Stringdusters with heavier subjects. The songs concern division, injustice and the need to keep finding common ground. The music retains plenty of energy. Guitar, banjo, dobro, fiddle and bass fit closely together, with clear vocal harmonies among its strongest features.
Hard Line opens with instruments briefly seeming to follow their own directions at once. When the voices join, the movement falls into place. Fiddle and banjo keep the song fierce. It suits music trying to loosen fixed opinions and make conversation possible again.
I'm Not Alone chooses a smaller beginning. Andy Falco's guitar moves around the singing before the song opens considerably. Shared voices give the idea of support from others a convincing musical form. The performance stays warm without entirely removing uncertainty.
On I Didn't Know, the band examine their own earlier blindness to injustice. A lighter melody and bright harmonies make the subject accessible without making it small. Guest drummer Mark Levy gives this song and I'm Not Alone an additional foundation. It belongs within the sound, leaving plenty of space for strings.
The instrumental Revolution gives the interaction more room. Dobro, fiddle and banjo can push each other forward before coming together again. Technique retains a playful character. Gentler moments elsewhere also leave plenty of attention for melody and tone.
The combination is what convinces most. The band make room for concern and self-examination while retaining pleasure in performance. Toward the Fray sounds engaged and energetic, with songs strengthened by how well these musicians understand each other. Their close harmonies and precise exchanges give the serious subjects a welcoming way in.
