Busking their way into the hearts and minds of their fans, the New York City based six-piece country-folk ensemble, The Good Morning Nags, have continued their musical evolution since we last encountered them back in February when we reviewed—and loved—their single, Mount Holler, which we called, “…an inspiring ode to all things life.”
With Tim Hassler (fiddle, vocals), Ben Quinn (mandolin, guitar, harmonium, vocals), Titus Tompkins (percussion, mandolin, vocals), Britt Reagan (guitar, dulcimer, vocals), Mark Spitznagel (banjo, vocals) and Pete O’Neill (bass, vocals); I love the fact that they still have no “official” front-man, all taking turns on lead vocals.
In preparation for their first full-length album, Hard Hope, (due this fall), The Nags have released the dual-track EP, No Damn Good, which contains the free-for-all road-track, Birmingham, a melting pot of more influences, tones and rhythmic sounds than one could accurately describe. At 1:30, the first instance of a clap joins the percussion—and suddenly—you don’t really know what the hell you’re listening to. Is it folk? Is it Bluegrass? Is it some sort of Rock amalgamation? Whatever it is, it’s fantastic.
The raucous confessional—and EP title track—No Damn Good, stays in the slightly more familiar wheelhouse of Country-Bluegrass. Here the writing steals the show…
“Listen to your mama, do like you should
I’d be better for ya if I could
But too bad baby, cause I’m no damn good…”
In the compact experience that is No Damn Good, The Nags have introduced an enjoyable Pop sensibility and a mood that could really only be described as “fun” to their already veteran Country-Bluegrass sound. It’s an exciting twist which creates legit anticipation for the album this fall.
WHOSE LOVECHILD…?
Imagine if Jazon Mraz did Bluegrass…
BELOW: Listen to The Good Morning Nags’ EP, No Damn Good, and connect with their website and social media platforms. Please support The Good Morning Nags by visiting them online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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