A few years ago some members of a couple of different Austin-based bluegrass bands got together for some late night jamming and out of it came one of my favorite bluegrass albums of 2013, the self-titled Wood & Wire. Â The boys are now releasing their follow-up album, The Coast.
There’s an occasionally recurring theme that surfaces through the disc, namely an affection apparently born from several trips to the shores of Galveston Bay. Â Galveston reminisces about the youthful experience of “chasing bikinis, getting shot down”. Â The Sea Wall has more of an Appalachian vibe to it, but explores the constant battle between civilization and the ocean. Â The title track carries a bit of Celtic feel to the fiddle parts, but addresses the universal state of bliss you get going to the beach, including the ageless excuse that “they’ll stare you down with bloodshot eyes, and blame it on the salty air.”
There are also a couple of fine country waltzes. Â Lonesome & Blue showcases the group’s vocal harmonies. Â So does Torture Of Love, but with a wry irony that a terrible relationship can save you from future heartbreak by just warning you off all romance. Â I guess that’s one way to solve the problem. Â Although more standard bluegrass fare, I also liked Long Gone Wrong and Dancin’ On My Grave.
 Overall, a lot of the songs on The Coast are just well written, well played traditional sounding bluegrass songs.  Which is sort of like saying becoming a concert pianist just takes practice.  Wood & Wire is one of the finest bluegrass groups in the country today: take a listen to The Coast and I think you’ll agree.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.