Strange Invitation is the third release from the Austin trio, although for this CD the band headed north to New York City and imprisoned themselves at the famed Chelsea Hotel for inspiration and to write the new tunes. Leader Hyland says of the experience “New York’s such a great place, because if you’re stale, you just go outside. You can find inspiration anywhere in that city. If you can’t, you just cut your head off.” (I wonder if he ran into new NYC resident Steve Earle out on the street.)

The CD kicks off with a lively opener, “Come to Me,” one of the standouts on the disc and the tale of a guy only occasionally lucky in love:

“Love, it don’t show up till my eyes have looked away.  I’ve traveled all alone so long, there’s been nobody to betray.”

Fiddle, mandolin and banjo give a bit of the bluegrass influence you might expect from a “jug-band” throughout, but this certainly isn’t strictly bluegrass. When pressed, the band describes they’re sound as “progressive-acoustic”. We’re treated to two stellar instrumentals on the disc, “Trek of Beandip Perkins” and “Po Boys in the Glovebox,” which shoot mandolin and fiddle back and forth throughout. Great tracks. Hyland’s voice is soft, but emotional. No twang or backwoods sound to his voice. The CD’s title is derived from the only cover tune on the CD and another highlight, “Jackass,” by Beck. The words are simple, yet some digging is often required to derive the deeper meaning. For instance, Theo van Gogh’s devotion to his brother Vincent is hidden in the simple words of “Wheatfield with Crows:”

“I know you’ll amaze me, I know you’ll amaze me.  I never thought you were crazy..”

If you are already a fan of the band you won’t be disappointed by their latest effort! If you’re not familiar with them or have been scared off by the name then by all means accept the band’s Strange Invitation. You will enjoy yourself!