The Dawn Chorus

What a difference a year makes. While the potential was plain for all to see on their self-titled debut, Stevie and Johnny have exceeded everyone’s expectations with their sublime second record. Co-produced by the band and the multi-talented Mudd Wallace, this is the album which sees Cat Malojian come of age. Employing sweeping strings (‘Made In America’) and space-age synths and samples (‘King Of The Quagmire’), the pair’s decision to stretch their musical wings and leave behind (for the most part) the bluegrass scene is a masterstroke. Don’t fret if you’re a fan of the Cat Malojian of old though, ‘The Mating Game’ and ‘The Dawn Chorus’ still have those moonshine-infused melodies we’ve come to love. But by broadening their palette they might just have the crossover album of the year.