Where Roads Divide

One might not automatically assume that Wildfire is a bluegrass band by glancing at the front cover of their sophomore effort. Dressed in black against a barren backdrop, the group looks like a band of desperados who forgot their guns. Like country music in general, contemporary bluegrass bands are no longer limited to rural imagery when creating a personal style. But make no mistake about it: Wildfire is a bluegrass band. Where Roads Divide picks up where Uncontained left off with one exception: banjoist Barry Crabtree has filled Scott Vestal's seat in the band. The album contains a mix of originals, bluegrass oldies, and a couple of classics. Lead singer Robert Hale penned/co-penned the catchy "Love Will Make You Blind" along the spiritually tinged "If You Don't Believe in Miracles" and "Help These Eyes to See. There's a nod to bluegrass forefathers with the inclusion of Don Reno/Bill Monroe's "I'm Afraid My Darlin's Gone and Jimmy Martin/L.E.White's "The Last Song," along with a fun version of Bill Anderson's "The Lord Knows I'm Drinking." The album closes with "I Don't Know You," a song originally recorded by the New Riders of the Purple Sage. Wildfire speeds up John Dawson's song but maintains its spirit for a fun, three-minute romp. With good harmony, straightforward picking, and solid song selection, Where Roads Divide will please old fans and contemporary bluegrass lovers. ~ sql=A5c6htr3tkl3x, Rovi