Trampled by Turtles - Life Is Good on the Open Road

Trampled by Turtles' Life Is Good on the Open Road marked the Duluth, Minnesota string band's return in 2018, and it sounds like a group that had missed each other.

After years of relentless touring the band had stepped back for a break, with frontman Dave Simonett exploring other projects. Coming back together, they made a record that feels more reflective than the breakneck bluegrass that first built their name, without losing the speed and fire that made their shows famous. It sits comfortably between Americana, folk and the rough edges of indie rock, which has always been their sweet spot.

Kelly's Bar opens on a warm, wistful note, the banjo and fiddle circling Simonett's weathered voice like old friends. We All Get Lonely is a gentle, aching standout, its honesty disarming, while Thank You, John Steinbeck carries a literary nod right there in its title. When the band does open the throttle, the picking is dazzling, a reminder that few acoustic outfits can match their momentum.

There is a road-worn tenderness running through the whole thing, the sound of musicians who know what they have and are glad to have it back. Put it on for a long drive or a quiet night in, and it fits either beautifully.