Why Should The Fire Die?

Sounding like a mature band poised to conquer the world, Nickel Creek's triumphant return is simultaneously as innovative and as accessible an effort as the band has ever achieved, boasting their best songwriting, best singing, hookiest melodies and -- whether playing delicately or aggressively -- their most powerful instrumental performances ever. Working with producers Eric Valentine and Tony Berg on this new album, the platinum-selling trio found innovative ways to capture their singular sound. Recorded on analog gear, each song is uniquely crafted some sonically enhanced with vintage plate reverb, while others are recorded around a single stereo-microphone. Unlike the band, Valentine did not grow up around traditional bluegrass instrumentation and helped Nickel Creek hear new roles for their instruments. He recognized the aggressive potential of their style, which until now had not been captured on record. The past three years has brought a new depth to their playing, and also enriched their songwriting, epitomized by the Chris Thile/Gary Louris song "Jealous Of The Moon." Fans will recognize favourite Nickel Creek songs from live shows -- including the blistering instrumental "Scotch And Chocolate", the powerful "When In Rome" and the faith questioning "Doubting Thomas." Sara Watkins' penned show-stealer, "Anthony", evokes a 1920-era flavour, while the title track has threads of CSN&Y harmonies. Nickel Creek are: Chris Thile (mandolin, bouzouki, mandola, tenor guitar, banjo, lead & harmony vocals, whistling), Sean Watkins (guitar, piano, ukulele, baritone guitar, 12-String guitar, tenor guitar, bouzouki, lead & harmony vocals), Sara Watkins (fiddle, lead & harmony vocals).