The Farewell Drifters aren't exactly a bluegrass band. Following in the the musical footsteps of Nickel Creek and Chatham County Line, the young quintet applies the instruments of bluegrass to pop, country and folk-influenced songs, and manages to break any number of instrumental rules -- just listen to the mandolin shredding on "Heart of a Slave" -- while sealing their connection to tradition with lovely, tight harmonies.
Of special note in this debut Live at KDHX session is the band's take on the Simon and Garfunkel classic "The Only Living Boy in New York." It's a cover that lives up the original and also finds its own soaring voice.
