This Nashville foursome-comprising sisters Callie and Phoebe Cryer and brothers Bruno and Taylor Jones-bring a freewheeling spirit to their songwriting and playing, paying homage to American roots music while asserting their own identities. The 21-year-old Callie tears into Got No Friends and a cover of Son House's Grinnin in Your Face with a haunting bluesy wail, while 19-year-old Phoebe's sweeter tones work beguiling magic on Jolly Robber and Will You Love Me. Seamless vocal harmonies and creative arrangements keep the album consistently interesting as the band shifts between Jason Mraz-like acoustic pop (Flower Flower), moody folk-rock (Close My Eyes, Footprints in the Snow), and bittersweet balladry (Winter). Songs like Better Now, Instrument for You, and Lawdyexplore Christian themes with unusual freshness and subtlety. Beyond its high level of musicianship, The Fourth Wall stands out for its guilelessness. These tracks have an honest sense of joy and sorrow that can melt the stoniest of hearts.
