The Calamity Cubes can be counted among the host of Lawrence bands that play bluegrass instruments but wouldn't be caught dead playing the main stage of the Walnut Valley Festival. The Cubes' gruff sensibilities are more in line with bands like Lucero or Drive-By Truckers, minus the drummer and electric guitars. Singer Brook Blanche sings in a husky voice backed by hard-strummed acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin and upright bass. He sounds perpetually exasperated, presumably from all the whiskey drinking and stepping out that he sings about. (For now, we'll assume that the murder ballads aren't autobiographical.) The group's smooth harmonies boost tracks such as "Never Had It," a song that recalls the Avett Brothers' simple charms. Banjo ripper Joey Henry is solid throughout, playing in a plucky fingerstyle that steers clear of any potential Deliverance jokes. All things considered, The Calamity Cubes! is a memorable collection of blue-collar folk songs that would sound right at home beside a backyard bonfire.
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