Potato Moon's third album "Carnival" is more fun than a line dance at the fair.
The Grand Rapids-based band combines knee-slapping country riffs with sassy lyrics to kindle a wholesome enthusiastic sound.
All of the band's core members are related by blood, which may be a reason for the uplifting demeanor the group gives off. The main players in the Stancil family group include father Phil Sr., son Ben and two daughters Jane and Laura, not to mention Grace Stancil, Phil's wife and the children's mother, is the manager for the band.
On Jan. 27, the group will be performing at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing, 855 Grove St., as a part of The Ten Pound Fiddle Coffeehouse concert series. The show starts at 8 p.m., and is $15 for the public and $10 for members.
"Carnival" was recorded back in 2004 at Bear's Den in Grayling, Mich., and still remains as the band's latest release. Helping the family band out on the album are Andy Weber on mandolin, as well as Fred Drachus, who plays guitar on two tracks.
Potato Moon started as a folk-bluegrass band but has branched out to create an extremely unique combination of beautifully harmonized vocals and complicated overlapping country instruments on "Carnival." The catchy ditties are collectively arranged by Potato Moon, but Ben originally wrote all the songs.
Ben sings in a smooth sauntering tone and plays a folksy acoustic six string. Dad sings too, while playing a happy upright bass and a mean organ.
Jane plays checkers on the piano keys, and Laura chimes in on percussion instruments. Both of the daughters also lend their sweet voices on the album.
The catchiest song on the album is "Tightrope Walker," which is track three.
Ben sings the tale of bouncing around carnival jobs, including a clown and a tightrope walker — all the while working for the devil. Laura adds a great little piano part, and Phil Jr. makes his only appearance on the album playing the bells.
Overall, the album communicates an interesting take on rural and carnival life. Even though the songs use common themes from older folk and bluegrass songs, the band is able to remain current because of its overwhelming inclination to keep the sound fresh and maturing.
Since the release of "Carnival," the band has added two members — Mike Sullivan on guitar and Jimmy Schultz playing percussion. With the new additions, the band is sure to have an increasingly newer and more unique sound in its live show.
Agree or disagree with Ryan? E-mail your thoughts to him at mccorm87@msu.edu.
