Music Review: The Howlin’ Brothers, Trouble

By Melissa Bratcher

Sometimes I get albums that are so firmly in my wheelhouse I suspect they were made with me in mind (because I am very humble). The latest from The Howlin’ Brothers, Trouble, is one of those records. Trouble, described by multi-instrumentalist Brother Jared Green, is a gumbo. From bluegrass to cajun swing to reggae (!), this extraordinary trio plays with style and charm.

I also love a band that switches lead singers. Howlin’ Brother and stand up bass player Ben Plasse fronts the loose-limbed earworm “Boogie,” which showcases playful interaction between harmonica and banjo. He takes the lead on the moody lament, “Troubled Waltz,” sparsely and effectively produced with background vocals that sound like a chain gang. “Love” is the reggae-flavored song mentioned above, and while it isn’t the most lyrically complex, it is an interesting change of pace with a nice roaming guitar line.

Piano player Jared Green sings lead on the songs he contributed. His “Monroe” is a tight acoustic cajun fiddle two step. “Pack Up Joe” is a lively bluegrass song for the itchy-footed, with fine banjo playing.

Ian Craft turns in some incredibly varied songs and has the kind of voice that makes you sit up and take notice. The stripped down rockabilly swing of “Pour It Down” is a catchy call and response with some tidy guitar picking. “Night And Day” is produced so specifically that this gritty barroom stomp with Craft’s surging howl of a voice sounds like it’s coming from a tinny radio. Producer Brendan Benson (The Raconteurs) seems to enjoy himself on “World Spinning Round” as well, giving it a throwback country feel (think 1960s or early ’70s, before Nashville drowned things in strings), down to the dreamy slide banjo and fiddle. Conversely, “Sing A Sad Song” wears the sheen of modern country, though it’s not soulless, but slick. It carries the dirt of a back road on its boots, and Craft’s voice is so warm. “I Was Wrong” is almost power pop, yet bluegrassy. Imagine ragtime music done by the Zombies, but fronted by Van Morrison. It’s a great tune.

The Howlin’ Brothers have made an album that is remarkable in its scope and creativity with Trouble. They’re excellent musicians and can write a hook that will embed itself in your brain. Their pairing with Brendan Benson’s Readymade records is a perfect match. I am eagerly looking forward to the vinyl version (which drops on May 27 in the States and May 26 in Europe) because this is the kind of record that needs to be, well, a record.

Trouble will be released in the US on May 13 through Readymade Records. In Canada, it was released via Dine Alone Records, and distributed by Universal.

Tour Dates:
Sat., May 3: Carbondale, IL; Tres Hombres
Sun., May 4: Nashville, TN; 3rd & Lindsay, 8 p.m. Broadcast live on WRLT 100 FM, Radio Lighting
Fri., May 16: Gettysburg, PA; Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival
Fri., May 23: Albany, NY; The Linda
Fri., May 30: Goshen, IN; Ignition Music
Sat., May 31: Louisville, KY; Decca Restaurant
Fri., Aug. 22: Lawndale, NC; Clear Mountain View Music Festival
Sat., June 14: Palisade, CO; Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival
Fri., Oct. 10: London, UK; Shepherd’s Bush Empire; Brendan Benson & Friends, a benefit for the David Lynch Foundation.