Nickel Creek goes back to their roots on their latest effort Why Should the Fire Die? As their last CD was more left of center, this one features the band in their prime. Each song is a complete package, idea, and concept. Why Should the Fire Die? largest asset is in its exploration of sounds. While keeping their bluegrass roots, they have explored many musical styles and genres while making them their own.
The first track, "When in Rome" sets the stage for the overall consistent sound of the album. Dark, urgent and poignant. The beautiful "Doubting Thomas" is a soothing, folk song about faith and the afterlife. Simple and direct featuring the main voices of singer Chris Thile and fiddle by Sara Watkins. "Somebody More Like You" a standout tune about breakup and would make the great first single. Wonderful riffs and atmosphere accented by two part harmonies that are sorrowful in their sympathy. "Helena" rocks out loud. Power and might are the main energy here. The band is at its most complex on this song and surely showcases their full capacities. The CD ends with the title track and it is a great finale song. With soothing melodies and harmonies, it's short and sweet with essential touchstones to their contemporaries.
As their third effort, Nickel Creek have proven themselves to be sustainable in a very fickle business. One of the best acoustic bands in the industry today; Nickel Creek will be around for a long while. More info: nickelcreek.com.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Brian A. SmithNickel Creek reveals that not all is well in their world on Why Should the Fire Die? Rather than relying on their trademark upbeat instrumentals and lyrics of the past, their third album for Sugar Hill portrays man's struggle in the real world, of broken and misguided relationships, of faltering faith, of conflict, unrealistic love, and occasionally, peace. In short, it is sometimes disturbing…Similar sounding releases
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