The name Nickel Creek will not immediately ring a bell with everyone, but in some circles a new record from this group is big news. The three members of the group are only in their early thirties, but were already on a break in 2007. Nickel Creek has been around since 1989 and has been making records since 1993 (for the record: singer Chris Thille and violinist Sara Watkins were only twelve years
… old at the time). Their sound has shifted from pure bluegrass to a progressive variant with pop influences. Their latest studio album Why Should The Fire Die from 2005 in particular was praised for the innovation within the genre. 'It is music with an enormous tradition, which is provided with new relevance by these young musicians', we wrote about that record at the time. And although the brooding noughties are now behind us, little has changed in the concept. The sparse instrumentation reinforces the melancholy; Chris Thille's voice is the icing on the cake. Highlights are Christmas Eve, Love Of Mine and You Don't Know What's Going On. Let's hope this record gives Nickel Creek the energy to let the 'dotted line' pass into an uninterrupted period of creativity. In any case, you are now aware of this fantastic band. (HF)more
