Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

There is good, great, and the stratosphere. Blindfaller is in the stratosphere category. I don’t think there are words in the English language to truly articulate just how incredible Blindfaller is. This is one of those “I knew it from the first listen” records. If you like heavenly mandolin and serene banjo, you will love this. Also, if you like absolutely pitch perfect vocals and harmonies, you will love this. In fact, I can’t think of one reason not to love this. Blindfaller elicits a plethora of excitement and energy. For me, it is rare to get that awestruck feeling from listening to an album, but Mandolin Orange pulled it off in spades.

My Blinded Heart (Track 7) is absolutely sublime. This song is a throwback to the good old days of country. The writing sounds like something the man, Hank Williams, could have written himself. All the tragedy and sadness of a Hank song. But, all of the musicianship and technology of a song today. Sonically, this song is so impressive and gorgeous. The best of both worlds. Actually, this song has some electric in it. Some spacey and ambient electric guitar riffs add the perfect touches to this tune. Wildfire (Track 2) is a classic in the making. I really can’t say enough good things about this song. Wildfire has made my exclusive playlist with such acts as The Drive By Truckers, Old 97s, and Ryan Adams to name a few. This is some esteemed company that Mandolin Orange is rubbing elbows with. And the company is well deserved. Add this album to the growing list of phenomenal releases in this banner year.

You can listen to the whole enchilada here. This is the place to buy it on Mandolin Orange’s website. They gave us plenty of choices as to where to purchase Blindfaller. No excuses!