Album Notes

Hat on, Drinking Wine came together in 2006, combining the literary and musical talents of Matt Robert (guitars, vocals, harmonica), James Lang (keyboards, accordion, tin whistle), and Ed Whalen (acoustic guitar, vocals, mandolin, and piano) with the common goal of producing no-shtick great songs. The band added the rhythm section of Jared Forgues (bass and background vocals) and Jarrett Conner (drums) in 2009 and produced their critically acclaimed eponymous debut. Their follow-up disc, "Plastic Flowers," illustrates the development of the band as a performing unit, which has propelled their live shows, a well-received stomp through a variety of rootsy rock styles and a wide emotional and topical range. The range of instruments adds a depth and lasting quality that is evident on this rich tapestry of a disc.