Band: The Good Morning Nags; Members: Titus Tompkins: percussion, mandolin and vocals; Britt Reagan: guitar, dulcimer and vocals; Ben Quinn: mandolin, guitar, harmonium and vocals; Tim Hassler: fiddle and vocals; Mark Spitznagel: banjo and vocals
EP: The Good Morning Nags
Producer: Erik Samuelson of Three Crown Studio
Maintaining their own unique sensibility, while also embracing their new lifestyle, is an important trait that young adults should possess as they adapt to their new personal and professional environments. The six-piece, New York City-based musical ensemble, The Good Morning Nags, did just that as they laid the groundwork for their new self-titled debut EP. The band performed shows in hundreds of locations across the city, from Central Park to subway platforms, as they crafted their seven-track album, which is set to be released on February 1. The record perfectly highlights the group’s signature sound, as it fuses together the musicians’ modern rock star charisma, foot stomping city rhythms and intensity with their traditional Appalachian-bluegrass influenced country folk.
One of the group’s most unique features is that there is no frontman, and all six members contribute to their songs’ harmonies. The musicians alternate lead vocals on each track. Deciding who sings each song usually based on who first introduces a new composition, or what they call an original cover, which is their contemporary re-working of an old time classic, to their bandmates. The Good Morning Nags’ self-titled EP, which features three original tunes and four new adaptation, is designed to capture the vulnerability, honesty and live energy of the music that’s created by the musicians.
The Good Morning Nags’ new album begins with the fiery, old school Appalachian entry, ‘Sugar Baby. The song features a unique and uptempo mix of country and bluesgrass guitar and strings, which alluringly support the emotional vocals that question who people can rely on in their times of need. The track powerfully reflects on life when it’s not filled with love.
‘Sugar Baby’ then transitions into the record’s sophomore hypnotically swirling instrumental tune, ‘Blackberry Bush.’ The band proves its ease at sharing its emotions through its soulful instrumentation.
The members of The Good Morning Nags continue to prove how at ease they are with expressing their sentiments on the EP’s alt-country third entry, ‘Mount Holler.’ While the song features faster-paced lyrics and instrumentation than its predecessor, it still offers people inspiration in pursuing their goals.
‘Love Like No Other,’ which is masterfully sung by Tim Hassler, is the next track on The Good Morning Nags’ self-titled EP. On the plaintive and relatable ballad, which is backed by a soothing guitar, Hassler croons about how he has a love like no other, and she’s the one he can’t live without. But he’s still taking his time to commit, and in the process, is making himself suffer. He admits that he wishes that she could read his mind, and realize that he feels they should be together forever.
The next tune is ‘Cripple Creek,’ which is one of the best entries on the album. Supported by alluring country strings, the lyrics focus on how a man has a sweet girl in the title town who loves him, and makes his heart beat. The fun vibe makes the song the perfect one to be performed live for a fun-loving audience.
‘Cripple Creek’ then delves into the emotional and folksy track, ‘I Wish My Baby Was Born,’ which features dramatic vocals and a bluesgrass guitar. The musicians contemplatively reflect on the need to be with the ones they love, so they’re not so lonely.
The Good Morning Nag’s new record ends with one of its best songs, the memorable ‘Good Morning Girl.’ The musicians all playfully sing about how they have a mate in several cities, as they don’t want to wake up alone. The track celebrates traveling, and connecting with women all over the U.S.
The six-piece, New York City-based musical ensemble powerful maintains its own unique sensibility, while also embracing their new lifestyle, on its new self-titled EP. The Good Morning Nags’ album highlights the band’s signature sound, as it fuses together the musicians’ modern rock star charisma, pulsating city rhythms and intensity with their traditional Appalachian-bluegrass influenced country folk sound. The record also captures the vulnerability, honesty and live energy of the music that’s created by the six musicians, who aren’t afraid to emotionally contemplate their successes and shortcomings.
For more information on The Good Morning Nags, visit the band’s official website, as well as its Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, iTunes, Instagram, SoundCloud and YouTube pages.
