Who's Feeling Young Now? Nonesuch***

The heart is not always keen to follow where the head directs, but that can change. Take The Punch Brothers. The American "progressive bluegrass" outfit is laden with talent, not least former Nickel Creek mandolin whizz Chris Thile, and it's easy to be impressed by their singular abilities and collective output. But love it? The 12-track Who's Feeling Young Nowseems to offer more of the same – oblique melodies sheathed in layers of instrumental finesse – until a light was turned on, and what sounded clever and cold was revealed as vibrant and warm, funny and vulnerable. Though The Punch Brothers are notionally a string band, there is so much going on here that sorting out the influences (from classical to vaudeville) is an exercise in itself. The songs are delightfully oddball, fresh in sound and attitude. God is called upon to help out a faltering romance in This Girl. Hundred Dollarsis more frustrated romance, while Soon or Neveris love as sweet pain. Radiohead's Kid Ais one of two instrumentals, while the closing Don't Get Married Without Meeven hints at Queen. punchbrothers.com

Download tracks: This Girl, Soon or Never