Review: Langhorne Slim - "When The Sun's Gone Down"

Langhorne Slim - "When The Sun's Gone Down"
(Narnack Records, 2005)

Langhorne Slim knows how to make an album that doesn't outstay its welcome. From the opening frenetic bluegrass strains of "In The Midnight" it is clear that there’s never been a folk album like this one. It's the kind of music that wins listeners through the complete re-working of a musical genre, and in that regard Slim's in good company. Through standout tracks like "And If It's True," "I Ain't Proud" and "Electric Love Letter," Slim does more for the advancement of the modern bluegrass sound in this album's thirty-five minutes than anyone this decade, building on the work of legends like Bela Fleck to create an energetic and far-reaching album. Though this isn't his most recent work -- he's recently signed a deal with V2 records and is at work on new material with his band Langhorne Slim and the War Eagles -- When The Sun’s Gone Down is a must-hear album from an artist who's sure to revolutionize modern Americana music in the coming years. This is an essential addition to any self-respecting folk fan's album collection.