*** 1/2
Every so often a band comes along whose effortlessness makes the difficult seem simple. The Stillsons are one such group, and with their second album they show our nation's many roots-country wannabees just where the bar sits. Earnest in musicianship and album title, the hard-working Thornbury trio – vocalists Justin Bernasconi and Cat Canteri, and former Waifs bassist Ben Franz – toss up a dozen charming and earthy tunes with lyrics that allude to broken relationships and a path to success not easily trodden. The pace varies, from sun-drenched opener Call Me Up and the downbeat Stillson, to the buoyant, menacing Death Country and languid closer In Violence. She Don't Wanna Know, meanwhile, nods warmly to Neil Young.
Key track: Lead single Nobody Knows You Tonight is a southern-twanged drunken escapade that you won't rid yourself of in a hurry.
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