The colorful sounds of Cabinet have returned once again to fill your ears with soulful Bluegrass and pure Country joy. Hailing from Pennsylvania; Pappy Biondo (banjo, vocals), J.P. Biondo (mandolin, vocals), Mickey Coviello (acoustic guitar, vocals), Todd Kopec (fiddle, vocals), Dylan Skursky (bass) and Jami Novak (drums, percussion) are back with their third studio release and seventh album overall, Celebration.
Cabinet is known for their unique slamgrass sound, and has a well-built reputation for having a highly-festive atmosphere at their live shows. That energy is captured thoroughly on Celebration. Recently released for free on NoiseTrade (for a limited time!), Celebration is a confident next step for Cabinet, as they continue to broaden their horizons while remaining true to their musical roots. These Pennsylvania boys are spreading their wings and gaining even more traction lately, and this engaging new record is just in time for the very busy festival season.
Celebration sounds like just that; a wildly massive celebration that beautifully blends many musical genres. It is certainly not your typical Bluegrass album. From the folk-styled storyteller, “Pine Billy” to the fast-paced fan favorite and rowdy live staple, “Home Now,” Celebration hits all the bases.
Listen to the L4LM debut of “Pine Billy” here, and be sure to check out Cabinet when they open for Soulive during Bowlive!
The opening track, “Old Time Songs” can be described with one word: perfection! It’s a quaint and catchy folk-blended country song with a traditional yet refreshing sound. That feel is continued on the home-styled, home-state hoedown, “Pennsylvania;“ a banjo-happy, fiddle-filled piece of music and a lyrical road trip down memory lane. On “Red River Valley,” we venture even further into new territories for the band. This slow and touching ballad is a multifaceted and reflective tale that demonstrates a deeper and more lyrically impressive side of Cabinet.
The title track appears to be the centerpiece of the album, as it comes with a music video. The video depicts a boisterous bar scene, with gambling, dancing, drinking and live music; a swarming celebration among friends. This concept seems to be the central nerve of the album; a like-minded unity achieved through the art of music and celebration. We are sent home with the lyric: “Tears will turn to laughter. Laughter will turn into song. It’s not your love that I’m after. I’m just trying to bring you back home.”
Cabinet has continued to enhance their musical approach while still holding down their signature mix of Americana, Bluegrass and Country. These six musicians from eastern Pennsylvania are a band to keep your eye on. If you haven’t had the privilege of seeing them perform live, do yourself a big favor and catch them when they stomp through your neck of the woods. It’s a live show that should not be missed! You can find free downloads and tour information on the band’s website.
By Joseph Conlon