Old Crow Medicine Show

One of the biggest charms of Old Crow Medicine Show is their conscious but contented ambivalence towards image. The album sleeve for their Nettwerk debut showed the troupe posed in Johnny Rotten swagger, with old-time instruments instead of the rock paraphernalia one would have expected. But images are best when they’re a challenge. The Medicine Show offer no arrogant antidote to the ever sorrowful state of rock’n’roll; they are not a throwback remedy, or a misdiagnosed tribute band. Despite the confusion arising from their image, their music to date has been a treat for folk purists and neo-folkies alike; a pleasant and richly rewarding diversion. While they draw upon traditions older than their five lives combined, they embrace present. They’ve caught sight of how deep the waters are and hear the echoes rising from below. The Old Crow Medicine Show aren’t aping the past, they’re in touch with it. The band converge on sacred ground, where, despite of their geographical and personal histories, their love for the roots of American music summons something genuine and superb. Like their previous releases, the band’s latest carries on traditions that started in the hill country and the plantations, and is honoured today by yet another generation of college students in the thrall of yet another folk revival. It’s the people’s music, and the kids can’t get enough of it.