Rob’s Album Of The Week: Spirit Family Reunion’s Ride Free

The way energy can flow from a band has the ability of leaving a lasting impression. This goes beyond style, genre or any other classifications, and when it’s there it can be felt within every fiber of the listener’s being. Coming out of Brooklyn, Spirit Family Reunion echoes this sentiment with a folk sound that’s as real as it gets. Their no frills approach is exemplified in their third studio album, Ride Free, that was self-released on August 9. This hard-working act puts their heart and soul into every note and each beat.

Nick Panken is the vocal nucleus of the band while strumming his guitar and his way of singing brings interesting harmonies. They aren’t completely polished but they possess an amazing amount of genuity. Maggie Carson’s banjo skills and backing vocals have a consistent presence while Stephen Weinheimer lends his multi-instrumental talents. Rounding out the rhythms are drummer Or Zubalsky and bassist Ken Woodward. All together, these musicians create tunes that take hold of something timeless and spin it into something refreshing.

I know I’ve talked about this before, but the 2010s have surely seen folk and Americana become oversaturated. This isn’t an insult to anyone to plays or enjoys this kind of music, but there are a bunch of originators and imitators who have seats at the table. The…