Nickel Creek

Item: Why Should the Fire Die?
Author: Jon Rice

Why Should the Fire Die?

(2005)

Reviewed by Jon Rice

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Music

Label Sugar Hill RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2005

americana bluegrass folk

Nickel Creek goes back to their roots on their latest effort Why Should the Fire Die? As their last CD was more left of center, this one features the band in their prime. Each song is a complete package, idea, and concept. Why Should the Fire Die? largest asset is in its exploration of sounds. While keeping their bluegrass roots, they have explored many musical styles and genres while making them their own.

The first track, "When in Rome" sets the stage for the overall consistent sound of the album. Dark, urgent and poignant. The beautiful "Doubting Thomas" is a soothing, folk song about faith and the afterlife. Simple and direct featuring the main voices of singer Chris Thile and fiddle by Sara Watkins. "Somebody More Like You" a standout tune about breakup and would make the great first single. Wonderful riffs and atmosphere accented by two part harmonies that are sorrowful in their sympathy. "Helena" rocks out loud. Power and might are the main energy here. The band is at its most complex on this song and surely showcases their full capacities. The CD ends with the title track and it is a great finale song. With soothing melodies and harmonies, it's short and sweet with essential touchstones to their contemporaries.

As their third effort, Nickel Creek have proven themselves to be sustainable in a very fickle business. One of the best acoustic bands in the industry today; Nickel Creek will be around for a long while. More info: nickelcreek.com.