Antifogmatic

The Punch Brothers' debut album was widely praised by Thile-followers everywhere, as has been this album, though I personally thought the band's first album was too esoteric, delving deep into the atonal.Not so with Antifogmatic. This album caught from the first spin; I didn't have to work at it. Thile himself describes the album as much more harmonic, and I'd agree. They are songs that, for the most part, you can hum along with and in some cases, tap your foot to. And all of that done with the same virtuosity of Thilie's other efforts.And that's not to say that this album is conventional by any means; most old time bluegrass fans will find this album unpalatable. The album is, as is usual for Thile, genre-defying and unpredictable, demonstrating well his ability to explore, surprise and intrigue.Thile has always mentioned Radiohead as an influence, and I never really heard it until this album, particularly on track 3, "Alex". A lot of it sounds like Radiohead written for bluegrass instruments, and in fact, there is a cover of Radiohead's "Packt Like Sardines In a Crush'd Tin Box" available on iTunes.Aside from the "Radioheadesque", many of the tracks are more conventional bluegrass in format, though still with a unique spin. And finally, if you buy the Deluxe Edition here on Amazon, you'll get the EP which is composed of instrumental tracks, which are reminiscent of his solo efforts.In sum, though there are atonal elements on this record, I think Thile has righted a lot of the wrongs in "Punch", while keeping all that was good about it, and the end result is a much more listenable record, one that is a pleasure to listen to, in fact.

These guys are accomplished musicians who play together intelligently and smoothly, often producing lush, haunting sounds (especially when the lead singer's tenor hovers in the higher registers). They play traditional bluegrass instruments, but don't produce mere bluegrass sounds--there's a little folk, a little jazz in there. One of my favorite things about Punch Brothers is the unexpected: If I don't know what's going to happen next in a song, all the better. But if I can figure out where a melody is going, or what the next song line will be, I'm bored. These guys never leave me bored.

Being a long time fan of Chris Thile's amazing career thus far, I jumped in wholeheartedly for this. I was not disappointed, Chris and the rest of the Punch Brother's ensemble have no fear, apparently. Bach, really, and impeccably done? How lucky are the bar patrons of the P-bingo nightsessions to watch and hear the creative process in the "lab"? I miss Nickel Creek, but listening to Thile evolve through collaborations with thelikes of YoYo Ma and now the fearless Punch Brothers, bring it on Chris and the other brothers!

Was looking for recommendations of present material for my stereo. This album was recommended. Sounds great, interesting music. Thanks

If you loved either Thile's solo "How to Grow a Woman" or Punch Brothers' debut, you're sure to find something you love in Antifogmatic. After "How to Grow a Woman", I wasn't sure how Thile would top himself. When I heard he'd started a new band, I was skeptical until I heard Punch Brothers and was blown away. Then when I heard that the 2nd Punch Brothers album featured more writing from the band and less direction from Thile, I was highly skeptical again.... but it's everything I'd hoped for before hearing about the collaboration and more.

This is fabulous CD! I've been a fan of Chris since I heard my first Nickel Creek song in the 90's. It's of course impeccably mixed; all of the musicians are stellar and Chris' mandolin playing, melodies and vocals are unsurpassed. This is not 'background' music - this is sitting-around-appreciating music. A synergy of bluegrass, classical training, folk and .... well, an undefinable quality that make this group unique.

I was introduced to Chris Thile, bandleader of the Punch Brothers, when he was part of Nickel Creek. He now had put together an amazing ensemble of virtuoso musicians who play a combination of traditional bluegrass, classical, pop, modernal atonal, rock and more... if you are a lover of music... particularly music that reaches beyond just pop or top 40, this album will blow you away! It is a must-have!

"Antifogmatic" delivers a powerful set of tunes that will leave any admirer of progressive bluegrass craving more. As far as quality, it rests comfortably between their debut album "Punch" and their last full-length outing "Who's Feeling Young Now?"...a must-have for any true fan of Punch Brothers.

I heard this on Garrison Keiller's radio show and had to go out and buy it! A very original sound.

Musical genius from the Punch Brothers, in their debut record.

Not the sort of record you can put on as background music. It needs to be given your full attention as there is so much going on. The regular shifts in tempo and stop start nature of some of the tracks may not be to everyones taste but stick with it and you may well find yourself warming to them. The band consists of 5 members who are all wonderfully expert musicians - all play stringed instruments (mandolin,guitar,bass,banjo and fiddle) which may give a good clue to the type of music on offer. There is no doubting the terrific musicianship that features throughout and there are several moments of sheer beauty - 'missy' comes to mind immediately. Of the more standard format type of tracks 'rye whisky' and 'next to the trash' are singalong jaunty efforts and 'this is the song' is a pleasing closer. However with repeated listens I have come to enjoy the whole album. The latest release 'who's feeling young now' is perhaps much more immediate in its impact and maybe doesn't come over as quite so complex in the construction of the songs. The second of the three discs here showcases the bewildering technical ability of the musicians but I must admit does not do a lot for me but to be fair I have only given it a single airing. The dvd is an accurate and enjoyable account of a Punch brothers live performance - maybe one day they will release a recording of their excellent cover of the strokes 'reptilia' (or maybe they already have????). The 3 discs are housed in individual cardboard covers and are contained together with a lyric booklet in a hard sided presentation box.

今迄ロックやジャズばかり聴いていましたが、ここ3年くらい前から、ソロギターにハマり、アコースティック・サウンドを求めて、遂にブルーグラスに辿り着き、友人のオススメで、此方を購入しました。バンドは、ブルーグラスの形態は採っているものの、絶妙に今風ポップス系やジプシージャズの要素も併せて持っているスタイルのサウンドなので、聞き応えと癒しがちょうど良い感じで折衷されていて、私の好みの音楽でした。

上手い！！！Punch Brothersはマンドリン奏者Chris Thileを中心としたギター、バンジョ、ベース、フィドルを基本とした5人組でありこれがセカンド。とにかく感動的に上手い集団。緻密で優雅で変幻自在、スリリングな展開とバンドのグルーヴが普通じゃない。フリージャズ？、クラシック？いやポップス、いやいややっぱりブルーグラスなのか・・・とにかく高度なストリングスミュージック。前作も同様の印象だが、もっと深く、メロディアスで、人間味あふれる音楽になっており進化している。Chrisのスマートで華のあるボーカルが更に浮き上がっているように感じられる。これだけ上手く天才的なブルーグラスだと、こういったルーツサイドの音楽が浸透しない日本でもさすがに受けが良いはず。どうせならライヴＤＶＤ付きの方を購入されることをお勧めします。

CD2枚とDVD1枚の紙BOXセットでした。とても綺麗なデザインで驚きです。元々はこのようなBOXになっているとは知らずにオーダーしたので嬉しさ倍増です。彼らの音楽性といいますか、アコースティックでこれだけの躍動感を出しつつ、本来の綺麗な音や情感も持ち合わせているというのが驚異です。ジャズ〜ロック〜クラシック〜フォーク〜ブルーグラス・・・ジャンル分けの意味がないですなあ。DVDを観ると本当に、彼らの演奏のレベルが良くわかります。さりげなくすごくて楽しい！まあ、聴いて、そして観てください。今年の太鼓判（盤）！

フォークカントリーがこんなに新しく聞こえるのも、AIの進化のせいなのか。テクノやラップのプログラムから外れたところがいい。とにかく、よい音楽。