Echo Boom

iTunes Review

Echo Boom finds the Farewell Drifters reconsidering the music of the Baby Boom generation with a blend of sweet affection and mature perspective. The quintet continues to develop their appealing bluegrass-folk hybrid. Unlikely flashes of doo-wop harmony (heard in “I’ve Had Enough”) fit comfortably next to the expansive, Fleet Foxes-like spirit of tunes like “Punchline.” The Drifters are unabashed romantics — “Roses,” for instance, has the guileless yearning of an early John Denver tune. There’s plenty of boisterous energy running through these tracks, as evidenced on joyful numbers like “Tip of the Iceberg” and “We Go Together.” While the songs offer little space to break out into full-blown jamming, the vigorous instrumental work of the group allows tasty licks to wrap around the crisply delivered hooks. Christian Sedelmeyer’s protean fiddle work and Joshua Britt’s sterling mandolin lines are particularly ear-catching. Echo Boom proves the Farewell Drifters to be more than careful students of yesterday’s sounds — they are putting their own personal stamp on pop music as well.