DEER CREEK BOYS

DEER CREEK BOYS
MIDNIGHT & DAWN

Mountain Fever
MFR170929

The Deer Creek Boys may have taken the long way around, but the trip has been worth it with the release of their second album for Mountain Fever Records. Traditional fans will particularly appreciate the sound, especially coming from a group of young pickers. This strong effort includes six tracks (half of the album’s total) written by bandmembers.

The group in its original form dates back to 1999 when brothers Justin Tomlin (guitar) and Jason “Tater” Tomlin (bass) combined with their best friend, mandolin player Cason Ogden, and started playing out in their hometown area of Amherst, Va. They ended taking individual roles with other well-known groups such as Nothin’ Fancy, Junior Sisk & Rambler’s Choice, and the Bluegrass Brothers. They re-grouped and added top-notch banjo player Andy Lowe to offer a brand of driving bluegrass that certainly will sit well with festival goers.

“Backwater” has a retro shade of 1970s rock, and the tune headed for the most radio play might be “The Cowboy.” The title-track is one of the best on the album, as is “Been All Around This World.” And, “Headbanger” provides a great instrumental, especially for banjo lovers. The Deer Creek Boys have positioned themselves to make some noise with this offering. (Mountain Fever, 1177 Alum Ridge Rd. NW, Willis, VA 24380, www.mountainfever.com.)MKB