I’m not usually a big fan of Americana/folk music. It really doesn’t have anything to do with an active dislike of the genre or the usual lyrical tropes that go with it. It’s mainly due to the fact that I prefer my music with heavier distortion and a little more technically complicated.

Thus it’s a rare folk group that can not only grab my attention, but also keep it throughout an entire album. Somehow The Low Anthem managed to pull it off on this remastered re-release of Oh My God, Charlie Darwin (originally came out last year). Most of the record is on the quieter end of the spectrum. The opener, “Charlie Darwin,” is a study in haunting simplicity, with a beautiful vocal line and stellar guitar play.

There are a couple of barnburners that pop up in the first half of the album that would make guys like Waylon Jennings or his friends from the Highwaymen proud. I’d love to see the band perform them live, as I bet they’re a blast to play. But since most of the album is on the softer side…think Ryan Adams or possibly Tom Petty in their quieter moments. So if you’re in the mood for some solid folk music, check these guys out posthaste.