Self-released

The Dead Winter Carpenters’ sophomoric release is truly a giant leap from their 2010 debut self titled album. Ain’t It Strange is filled with well written and executed songs backed by strong vocal harmonies, surrounded by a bevy of rock-grass loaded tracks that are rooted deeply within the themes of travel and love.

The thread that keeps this album together is the well written songs: musically and lyrically. The harmonies between Jesse Dunn and Jenni Charles are pure and crisp, with his vocals carrying a country feel and hers a sweet yet unforgiving bluegrass tone. Sean Duerr’s vocals are delivered with less twang and more purity yet again Charles matches and the rolling harmonies therein balance the solidity of the music from track to track. With old-time bass rhythms and melody-driven fiddle jams that are seamlessly bridged with full sounding electric guitar solos, the constant and undeniable drumming of Ryan Davis ricochets throughout.

The Dead Winter Carpenters bridge the gap across the country and genre with the up-tempo bluegrass jam vehicles “Cabin Fever” and continue with their signature ragtime sound during the fiddle/drum heavy “I Shot Him.” While the album is a throwback to times of old, the sound and production quality is second to none. At times some songs feel as if they run somewhat short, but all in all with Ain’t It Strange, Dead Winter Carpenters a group known for their live shows have matched that fire in the studio.