On their seventh album, Railroad Earth has effectively redefined what it means to play bluegrass in the 21st century. Yeah, Last of the Outlaws is seriously that good.

Railroad Earth formed in 2001 as a “newgrass band,” incorporating elements of bluegrass, jazz, and rock and roll. Their songwriting seems to be in the American folk tradition, though live performances often feature extended jam sections. With that raw, down-home feeling, RRE has steadily risen in maturity and complexity over their career, and Last of the Outlaws may be their best work yet.

The album starts simply enough, with three traditional folky-bluegrassy numbers that warm you to the core with their down-home good vibrations. “Chasin a Rainbow” kicks things off, with its catchy, upbeat melody. The title track comes in next, slowing things down for a more contemplative motif. “Last of the Outlaws” shows the band’s ability for lamentation, as the song is about just wanting someone you love to come home (even if that person is an outlaw).

Really though, the masterpiece of this album is the middle section. The six songs from “All That’s Dead May Live Again” to “In Paradisum” flow eloquently, creating a single, cohesive, magnificent piece of music. Through various musical sections, Railroad Earth essentially composed what may be best described as a symphony in bluegrass. With intricate string work and delicate piano accompaniment, this is simply sensational. 21-minutes of musical bliss.

Finally, Last of the Outlaws closes with a handful of tracks that easing up on the intensity. Basically, the last five tracks give you the opportunity to unwind after the monstrous composition in the middle. You can check out this live performance of one of these tunes, “One More Night On The Road,” below. The song has that “on the road” quality to it, with a sense of enjoyment and celebration.

All in all, this is a seriously addicting album. Anyone who buys Last of the Outlaws will certainly not be disappointed.

-David Melamed (@DMelamz)

The Last Of The Outlaws Tracklisting:
1. Chasin’ a Rainbow
2. The Last of the Outlaws
3. Grandfather Mountain
4. All that’s Dead May Live Again
5. Introit
6. Tuba Mirum
7. Lacrimosa
8. Dies Irae
9. Face with a Hole
10. In Paradisum
11. Monkey
12. Hangtown Ball
13. When the Sun Gets in Your Blood
14. One More Night on the Road
15. Take a Bow