Are you one of those folks who listens to their kids' Spotify lists and wonder "is there anyone who is interested in blurring the lines rather than setting genres in stone?" If so, you don't read me much. And you haven't picked up on outfits such as Dan Auerbach's Easy Eye Sound (which would be a perfect landing spot for Native Harrow, BTW). But I'm more about celebrating than castigating. So here goes.

Native Harrow Divided Kind (Different Time)

Native Harrow seems to have its base in the cosmic country and soul of the 70s, and like artists such as the Burritos and Emmylou Harris (and, yes, a dash of Marvin Gaye--please don't sue!), this Philadelphia duo prefers to invite in outside influences rather than keep them at arms length. They're as comfortable with Black Crowes-ish southern rock as they are with Linda Ronstadt-esque country groove or Carpenters-y intimate mellow pop. And so these songs sound astonishingly familiar without aping any particular artist.

The sound is open, allowing the pedal steel and other accouterments to shine. And yet the overall feel is lush and enveloping. I've seen this referred to as a “big sky” sound, and it fits, despite Native Harrow's home grounds.

Even though sunsets are coming sooner, this is easily the best easing back at dusk album I've heard this year. The songs flow slow and easy with nary a misstep. The album creates a space for rumination and a soft--yet firm--place to rest the bones. Put this on, grab a bourbon and you just might never escape that velvet Barcalounger.

Jon Worley