WHO'S FEELING YOUNG NOW?

Such is the title of the new record from virtuoso acoustic quintet Punch Brothers, whom Toy Stereo had the pleasure of seeing live in London back in January. The gig was absolutely incredible and showcased some of the new material from the new disc - just released on Nonesuch records - which sees the band building on the complex bluegrass-influenced sound of their previous two releases. Check out the video for the slightly dark, yet jaunty, title track below, which the band shot in Paris for Rolling Stone France. Punch Brothers have recently announced that they will be returning to London for a headline show at Scala on May 7th.

(La session sans nom) #01.1 _ Punch Brothers _ 21.02.2012 from Utuh on Vimeo.

NEW SOLO RECORD FROM PUNCH BROTHERS' NOAM PIKELNY

At the risk of giving the impression to readers that my sole occupation here at toystereo is to inform the world of the various goings on regarding members of American bluegrass envelope-pushers Punch Brothers, I bring you news that banjo genius Noam Pikelny is releasing a new solo record entitled 'Beat the Devil and Carry a Rail', which features guest appearances from several Punch members, as well as collaborations with Jerry Douglas and Tim O'Brien. Last year Pikelny was the first recipient of the Steve Martin Award for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, and Martin himself (whose unpredictable career transition from Hollywood comedy actor to tongue-in-cheek bluegrass bandleader is all but complete) features on the record, which is released on October 25th. You can download the track 'Jim Thompson's Horse' for free here.