Gotta Lotta Lonesome

And then there are the albums that make a listener just think, “wow.” Sometimes one comes along that’s hard to pick a handful of songs to focus on because—to borrow an old phrase—it’s all killer, no filler.

That’s the case with Carson Peters & Iron Mountain’s latest album, Gotta Lotta Lonesome. Eight of the 12 tracks are written by band members and two others are takes on well-known hits from the near and not-so-near past.

“Back to the Hills of Home” is a strong number, but perhaps the best of the lot is “Heaven or Hell,” written by Peters and Bobby Starnes. The duo combined on the title track, and with Phil Randazzo on “That Lonesome Old River.” Starnes also wrote “It’s Too Late.” All are top notch.

Eric Marshall added two songs, Ben Marshall one and Austin Tate one. “It’s Too Late” is a tremendous a capella gospel take. Bluegrass fans will love “Don’t You Call My Name,” a tune that last charted by Dailey & Vincent and the band’s cover of Larry Gatling’s classic, “All the Gold in California.”

Peters is more than just a prodigy at age 19; he’s a longtime veteran. He made an appearance on “The Tonight Show” at eight and hasn’t slowed down. Carson, fiddler and lead vocalist, is joined by his dad, Jamie Peters (guitar), Ben Marshall (guitar/vocals), Eric Marshall (bass), Austin Tate (mandolin/vocals), and James McDowell (banjo), who make up Iron Mountain.

Gotta Lotta Lonesome is a fun listen from top to bottom. The picking is hard-driving bluegrass at its best and the lead vocals stand out from the crowd. No doubt Carson Peters & Iron Mountain is on the rise and coming at you fast.