Emotionalism [LP]

On their 2007 outing, EMOTIONALISM, the Avett Brothers offer up an engaging set that mixes a charmingly old-fashioned acoustic aesthetic with an almost punk-like immediacy. Consisting of North Carolina siblings Seth and Scott Avett (primarily guitar and banjo, respectively) and Bob Crawford (upright bass), the trio shares vocal duties and rarely employs percussion, giving the rootsy album the laid-back feel of a back-porch bluegrass jam session, a vibe that's embodied by the jangly and melodic "Will You Return?"