The Punch Brothers are not known for conventionality. It’s not often that you find a bluegrass band boasting a frontman with a Macarthur “genius grant.” But this is the enigma of the Punch Brothers, the progenitors of modern bluegrass led by mandolinist and lead singer Chris Thile. In their latest album The Phosphorescent Blues, the group displays genius not only in their compositions, but also in the sheer virtuosity of each member.
Take the opening track “Familiarity,” which clocks in at more than 10 minutes. The song ebbs and flows through sonic space, starting with a quick, arpeggiated mandolin line that swells as members of the band introduce new phrases until the song reaches its climax. At this point, Thile belts “God knows we mean it / God knows we feel it.” From there, the song changes direction, becoming a gentle romp that flows nicely until it fades away. The song epitomizes all that the Punch Brothers do well. As a composition, it is captivating. Each member of the group is an incredibly gifted musician and can harness their talents to play off of the others’. Thile’s voice effortlessly glides over this backdrop, creating a breathtaking piece.
The album also provides a compelling thematic message. The Phosphorescent Blues is a social commentary about technology and our superficial modern culture, the title referring to a sadness that accompanies our collective dependence on screens.
This plays out in “I Blew it Off,” a song that rotates between a typical indie chorus with simple repeating guitar chords and call-and-response harmonies and a more unique verse, underscored by a violin and a syncopated mandolin riff. During the chorus, Thile sings, “There’s nothing to say that couldn’t just as well be sent,” referencing the devaluation of face-to-face communication. This might prevent the song from remaining relevant as cultural trends change, but it, as well as many others throughout the album, ring frighteningly true.
Ultimately, the great strength of the album is the music that lies at its artistic core and not its critique of society. With The Phosphorescent Blues, the Punch Brothers have produced nothing less than a work of genius.
Voice’s Choices: “Familarity,” “Between 1st and A”
