Album Review: The Wardens, Sold Out At The Ironwood

Western trio The Wardens (not a family but musicians who work or once worked as park wardens) have been plying their craft for over a decade. And with this new effort, the trio of Scott Ward, Ray Schmidt and Bradley Bischoff have more in line with The Mavericks on the gorgeous, warm and inviting opener "The Code" which is more Banff-Mex than Tex-Mex. The same can be said later during "Last Cowboy In The Outfit" which has some sweet mandolin work.

On the whole the group excels on folksy, roots-reared gems such as "Shining Mountains" with their harmonies and instrumentation offering a magical blend. The Wardens also write quality, economical lyrics as is the case on the thoughtful "Half-Mile Honeymoon. Perhaps the highlight is "Thousand Rescues" which flows so effortlessly it could only be penned by park wardens.

Fans of Ian Tyson, the late Guy Clark or other stellar troubadours would lap up "Coming Home" and the harrowing, heart-breaking tale of "Neil Colgan." Another keeper is the closer, a live version of "Supper On The Trail" which cites modern supplements you wouldn't mistake for old west grub.

So is this album good? Do bears sh. . . well . . . The Wardens would know all about that.

Sold Out At The Ironwood was released January 29, 2021.
Listen to it here