Shred Kelly 's second album, In The Hills, hits with such force that I was compelled to jump out of my seat for a solo foot stomping dance party. That is, until the stodgy flight attendant pointed to the seatbelt light and asked me to return to my seat.
 

Right as the first track “New Black” kicks off, the album pushes through at a frenetic pace with only brief reprieves to allow you to catch your breath. With a sound that harkens Elliott Brood and with driving tempos and intricate melodies that rivals Mumford and Sons, the album pounds along until it closes with the sweetly melodic "Jewel of the North." The heavy doses of amphetamine-fueled banjo coupled with the punchiness of a solid punk rock record makes this an album that grabs your attention and holds it for the full 40 minute run time.
 

Lead singer Tim Newton’s voice is solid and raw enough to carry the record on its own. When coupled with the silky smoothness of Sage McBride's vocals as well as the harmonies offered by the rest of the band members, the sound takes on a much more rounded quality. While not necessarily a classic roots sound, there is enough of the genre’s influence to appeal to staunch fans of old-time folk as well as followers of the more modern incarnations of the style.