Rating: 3.5 Pulses

Franklin-based band Vinyl Soup doesn’t want to be pigeon holed.

Sorry guys, you wanted a review, so I have to at least attempt to tell you what I make of your latest album, the ten-track melting pot of all American traditions, Brandon and Travis.

It’s lovely.

Fine, I’ll be more specific.

What an upbeat piece of work this is. Vinyl Soup tells stories with the sincerity of They Might Be Giants about flying, trains, jail stays, angels, and riding with Elijah.

Their sound is a mix of folk, rock, blues, reggae and bluegrass, played with just a touch of the jam band spirit.

“Thoughts on a Page” is an introduction, Andrew Hooker and the guys are bringing their words to you to “help you through each day.” Sure, maybe it’s about a girl, I’d rather think that it’s about me. So there.

Next up is the title track, “Brandon and Travis.” Broken up into four parts, two with vocals and two without, it’s one of the album’s long tracks, coming in at a little over 14 minutes. It’s also one of the tracks that captures the feeling of Vinyl Soup’s live shows, where long instrumental jams are not out of the question, and are often punched up with smart jazz innovation.

Hooker has a judicious hand on the guitar, he’s not trying to overload us with notes, he’s trying to make every string count. Piano guru Justin Smith lightens the tone with his fast fingers, Wes Lloyd keeps it solid on the bass, and Chuck Brooks knows how to use his high hats, if you know what I mean.

There were a few lulls on the album toward the last half where, if I wasn’t paying attention, nothing reached out and pulled me back in. But at the last moment “Goodnight Waltz” came on, a delightful, whimsical instrumental track at the end of the album. I was sold on my experience all over again. Maybe I do love this album.

All in all it’s a good solid listen, slightly reminiscent of The String Cheese Incident, a lighter sounding cousin to Umphrey’s McGee.