In total, All Ashore contains nine tracks and becomes the first self-produced album of the band. Recorded in Los Angeles and released by the Nonesuch label, All Ashore is, according to Thile, like a work of “meditation on committed relationships in the present day”. The Punch Brothers update here the typical instruments of Americana. Banjo (Noam Pikelny), fiddle (Gabe Witcher), mandolin (Chris Thile) and guitar (Chris Eldridge), supported by double bass (Paul Kowert) and vocals. In respect with traditional music, they lead into modernity, both in a music and lyric sense. The note is as important as the lyric, if not more… The Punch Brothers don’t indulge in excessive chatter. Each expresses himself through his instrument, as evidenced by Three Dots and a Dash or It's All Part of the Plan.
Through instrumental superimposition, the riffs go one after another, as well as the permanent swinging between nuances and rhythms. While their precedent album, The Phosphorescent Blues, was wandering on the Bluegrass path, notably with titles like Boll Weevil or Forgotten, you will find no recycling here! The pop filled with folk is well and truly there, but Jungle Bird nonetheless evokes a rather quirky blues. It’s a perfect transition between these two albums… And let’s not forget Thile’s melodious voice. In perfect harmony with the playing of his comrades, he displays a great vocal mastery. Whether holding a high note or tackling a lighter and jolting singing, he is always filled with intensity. In the end, All Ashore is a small gold mine, whose richness is accessible to both amateurs and long-time fans.
Punch Brothers - "It's All Part of the Plan"
Punch BrothersPunch Brothers - "Three Dots and a Dash"
Punch BrothersTo follow everything happening here at Qobuz, join us on Facebook !
