Trampled By Turtles - Palomino [2010]

If you're a fan of the Duluth music scene, then you're probably a fan of Trampled by Turtles (TBT). And I'm happy to report that their newest album, "Palomino," is going to keep fans enthralled with some tremendously original tunes.

Although you could hardly call this album a departure from what the band has done in the past, these 12 songs are proof that this band is constantly growing and changing for the better.

The band seemed to put more emphasis on their instruments than lead singer Dave Simonette's sharp poetic writing in this album. This is an idea that paid off as there are certain points when you wonder how Erik Berry's mandolin didn't burst into flame during "New Son/Burnt Iron."

TBT has been quoted saying that the album was an attempt at bringing the energy from their raucous live shows to a CD. This is exactly what has happened. Songs like "Help You" make you feel like you're front row at a bar in Lutsen, Minn., drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon…Not that I would know anything about that.

One of the highlights of the new album has to be the song "Wait So Long." This is the first song they've accompanied with a music video, so you know it's special. This banjo shredding song seems to move at a pace that you've never heard a bluegrass tune move.

One thing people may notice when listening to the new album is that there definitely a few songs that have almost a dark feeling to them. "Gasoline" is the first song to my recollection that I've heard Simonette use a voice modifier to make it sound like he's singing into one of those old fashion metal microphones.

How these guys have been in the game as long as they have without catching on with a larger audience is stupefying. This could be that album that puts them over the top for many casual listeners. Their blend of folky bluegrass and rock has stayed mostly under the radar because it's so untraditional.

Their under-appreciated status may not last much longer, so go buy this album and, more importantly, go see them live. You can thank me later.

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