By Ken Paulson
—Down Side Up from Old Man Markley is a riveting, high velocity bluegrass album, with surprisingly potent political content. There’s been some marketing effort to label this as a cross between bluegrass and punk, but that’s trying too hard. The only Clash-like elements are the highly topical lyrics. “The corporate propaganda paralyzes us with fear, destroying our ability to trust,” the band warns in “America’s Dreaming.”
There’s irreverence throughout, including “Beyond the Moon,” in which we learn the singer doesn’t “wanna lose my mind like Gary Busey did.”
This isn’t “newgrass,” but the topicality suggests “Newsgrass.” Old Man Markley features fine playing throughout, with bonus points for attitude.
Upcoming tour dates for Old Man Markley:
Mar 21 – Denver, CO – Marquis Theater
Mar 22 – Salt Lake City, UT – Burt’s Tiki Lounge
Mar 23 – Las Vegas, NV – Beauty Bar
Mar 24 – Fullerton, CA – The Slidebar
Mar 28 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues
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