The newest album, Vive L’Acadie!, by the Maine-based Americana staple group The Mallett Brothers Band is a simple and effective exploration of the soul. Blending southern influences with a New England state of mind, the group creates refreshing and rugged country rock that interrogates the genre while keeping a good tune — as exemplified but the opening and title track (streaming below). The Mallet Brothers Band is currently on tour and will be playing at The Lakeshore House in Monson, Maine on June 23. - Lilly Milman

It’s not easy to write a song that’s universally relatable without an ounce of cliche, but that’s exactly what Portland, Maine natives The Mallett Brothers Band accomplished on the title track of their fourth studio album, Lights Along The River.  The story of reflection on a long journey home is delivered in layered vocals that rise to a powerful climax, while bluegrass-style instrumentals manage to evoke the feeling of floating down river as clearly as the lyrics themselves. The Mallett Brothers are currently touring New England to promote their new album - find a list of their upcoming shows here: http://www.mallettbrothersband.com/#tour-section

-Glori Blatt
Photo credit: Nicole Wolf Photography