Independent (label)
20 December 2016 (released)
13 January 2017
Alan Bond's mandolin ties together this collection that spans from front porch bluegrass to modern alt-country.
A Little More Country is the latest release from Michael Van and the Movers. The group, who tie up their horses in Point Richmond, California have come out with a loose collection of country tunes with the thread among them to hearken back to simpler times and honest living. Writing duties are split evenly between Michael VanArsdale, Pete Ahonen, and Alan Bond. VanArsdale's writes his pieces with the standard country honk, Ahonen comes with a more gravely attack and some rock n roll DNA, and Bond is the bluegrass foundation, writing tracks with thick harmonies and sentimental mandolin.
The album's opener and mission statement, 'A Little More Country' is an appeal back to the salt of the earth living from which they came. Getting back to simple values and hard work. The band sits comfortably back in the pocket. We're offered our first taste of Alan Bond's guiding mandolin lines, giving every song a trail of bread crumbs back to the homestead.
'Skedaddle Mountain Lullaby' and takes things in a darker bluegrass direction. The mandolin firmly takes the lead in this one. New bluegrass acts like Roadkill Ghost Choir and Old Crow Medicine Show come to mind. 'Love Me till Thursday' blends heartbreaking pedal steel with mandolin in a gorgeous duet.
Mexicali shuffle, 'Juanita' is an homage to songs like The Eagles 'Tequila Sunrise'. The southwestern lament is infused with a tropical breeze. The author writes about the strain of love across borders. Bond's mandolin gives a mariachi serenade. The band rallies together with beautiful backing harmonies. This may be the sleeper hit of the album.
The eclectic mix of styles on A Little More Country offer something for anyone who's tastes involve some dirt in their boots. When put up against each other, the Bond-led songs seem to be the most dynamic and innovative. A solo album would be most welcome.
