Romero follow-up 2018’s excellent, multi-award-winning Sweet Old Religion with their fifth studio effort, Bet on Love – another warm folk music gem. The 11-song collection is, according to the Romeros, “a modern folk ode to the reciprocal relationships between place, people and time.” Like Sweet Old Religion, Bet on Love was recorded live off the floor in their banjo workshop, with producer/musician Marc Jenkins, with the addition of master mandolinist John Reischman (Tony Rice, Jaybirds) and bassist Patrick Metzger. Notable tracks include: the gentle banjo-based ramble and opening track “Hometown Blues”; the contemplative number “New Day”; the cautionary tale “Roll on My Friend”; the graceful ballad “A Bit Old School”; the somewhat somber ballad “Old Chatelaine”; and the closing track, “World Stops Turning.” Pharis and Jason Romero’s Bet on Love is a well-balanced listen with a combination of up-tempo songs and ballads that resonate with integrity and tenderness. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Foghorn Stringband, Tim O’Brien, Red Tail Ring, John Reischman, Cahalen Morrison and Eli West