Some call it Old-Timey, New-Grass, Jam-Grass, Rootsy, Pre-WWII, Folk or hell, some label junkies may even dream up a title like Appalachian Dumpsta-Funk (not bad actually, can’t it be as useful as “Alt-Country”?) The fact is, in the last few years we have witnessed an Ellis Island-style rush of young, unique, and quality hard-to-define acts added to the rosters of summer festivals around the globe. From The Avett Brothers to Old Crow to Uncle Earl to the Hackensaw Boys to Cadillac Sky and to the various Nickel Creek “hiatus” projects, these bands shine a light on the fast pounding pulse of American music and represent a vanguard the likes of which we may never see again in one such glorious grouping.
Add to the aforementioned group of emerging talents, The Middle Class. Their record, Deep in Debt (VAVV Records) announces in a groovy, eclectic, west coast-style manner that we should expect to see them soon on future Telluride and Merlefest stages. Coming from LA, the laid back vibes of certain tracks such as “Thinkin’ of You” and “Rock-a-Bye” are not only appropriate but refreshing in their change of pace from many of their counterparts fast, finger-pickin’ fetishes. Many latter-day acoustic based bands feel compelled to pummel the listener into submission with their fingers-of-fury style pickin’, but no worries, there isn’t any pressure hear to knee-slap your hands any quicker than you so desire. Of course, I wouldn’t want the entire disc to be as laid back as a stoned surfer after a basket of fish tacos. Thankfully, the opening track, “All I Want is You” bounces in and boasts the rough-hewn vocals of Matt Doherty and Clem Jeffreys’ harmonica licks that only sound right when done from a front-porch.
Adding to the discs cornucopia is the 70′s style funk track “Guantanamo Bay”. The horns and disco guitar make it sound as if it would be a great cut to roll during the closing credits to a CHIP’s episode (‘ya know, the ones where they freeze-frame Panch & John laughing at how easy the crime was solved while riding motorbikes...). In this day and age of debate over what is “Roots”, “Americana” and even “Bluegrass”, I see The Middle Class’ use of percussion, horns and electric instruments as a welcome addition to the collection of sounds that make up American Music.
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