Album Stream: Wood Brothers - Smoke Ring Halo

Opting instead to stretch the limits of their naturally dynamic partnership as well as critics’ expectations on Smoke Ring Halo, The Wood Brothers have avoided simply mimicking the harmonic structures that aided in the unexpected success of 2006’s lyrically rich Ways Not to Lose, in the process creating a toe-tapping collection of tracks that hark to the days of harmonica-driven southern rock, while exploring the duo’s soulful side. Quashing assertions that the effort is simply a side project for the talented siblings, over their career the outfit has released a steady string of records that provide listeners with a welcoming glimpse into the brothers’ creative process. Fortunately, Smoke Ring Halo only further cements the pair’s reputation as masters of soulful folk.

From its folk-driven and mostly acoustic opening number “Mary Anna” to the seductive swagger of “Stumbled In,” Smoke Ring Halo guides listeners on a tour through the multiple genres that both brothers have explored throughout their individual careers. Listen to their new record, which comes out Aug. 2, in the player below all this week.