With the release of Next Act, their 15th studio album, Steep Canyon Rangers display the dynamics of their partnership—one that cannot be reduced to a formula. The album incorporates their compelling songwriting, strong vocals, and instrumentals that, when played live, seem to channel instruments not even present on stage.
Though the core members carry the songs on the album, they are joined on banjo by Steve Martin, a frequent collaborator, for “The Heart’s the Only Compass,” one of the more intriguing song on the album about a one-night stand after a bus ride to Louisiana, which eventually leads to surprising DNA test results. Edie Brickell also provides harmony on “Halfway to Reno,” a road song, and Della Mae lead singer Celia Woodsmith sings on “Hard Times.”
