Cast Iron Filter

Is it Roots Rock? Is it "Newgrass"? Is it psychedelic Folk? It's hard to pin down exactly what North Carolina's Cast Iron Filter are trying to do with their music. And that's exactly what will make the group's new live album Live From the Highway, so appealing to fans of the more esoteric artists on the "Jam" band scene. The disc -- featuring six new songs and reworkings of key tracks off their two previous albums -- serendipitously rolls through a whirlwind of styles, but there's a cohesive, nuanced thread that strings the tracks together, making it less a hodge-podge and more a long, entrancing and seamless groove. The band's reliance on acoustic instruments enhances the jams, giving the band an earthiness that is richly organic and pure. Any band that puts a live record out of two independent albums into their career is bound to be pretty skilled in the live setting, so be on hand for CIF's Cincy stop if you want to experience the group in its natural habitat.

At Stanley's Pub on Wednesday.

-- M.B.

E-mail the editor

Printer-friendly version

personals | cover | news | columns | music | movies | arts | dining | listings | classifieds | mediakit | promotions | home

Locals Only: Mill-Ing Around
New six-piece a welcome new addition to the area's strong Roots scene

Short Takes
Change is nothing to fear for Creeper Lagoon, plus reviews of Sanctus Real and Lab Partners

Spill It
Local Blues duo savors every second with their debut CD

Positively Yeah Yeah Yeah: New Tunes
Bloodshot Records offers relief by dropping a collection of cover songs

Music Listings