Greetings From The Neon Frontier (Reprise, 2018)

The Wild Feathers' third outing should solidify its position as one of the guideposts of where country is heading right now. With Ricky Young, Taylor Burns and Joel King laying down exquisite harmonies guitars and bass and Ben Dumas on drums, these guys are at the top of their game. If you are looking for something different, better and a sign that bro country may be heading for the exit, take a listen. Make no mistake, this is a modern country album, but it could have been at home on early '70s album rock stations nationwide. Rich, layered harmonies abound. The first single "Big Sky" will immediately bring CSN to mind with the seemingly effortless precision of the harmonies with the added bonus of modern lyrics that tell a story.

Other standout efforts include the Tex-Mex flavored "Every Morning I Quit Drinkin," a hurtin' song that feels surprisingly good to hear again and again. It has a Bernie Leadon-flavored Eagles feel heavy in the mix. "Hold Onto Love" also an Eagles sound with a modern twist.

The lead-off cut, "Quittin' Time" is as hooky as a song can get. "Stand By You" is some of the best of what today's country has to offer showcasing musicianship, songwriting and harmonies throughout.

Bottom line, if you like music that actually tells stories and was written by people who seem like they lived them, then this is for you. The rich harmonies invoke the best of what came before with a hint of what is yet to come.