There’s a confidence that comes across the vinyl when a band is this good. It makes its point by not having to try so hard. This is the case with The Barlow and their new album High Spirits. The Barlow is a Colorado-based country-rock band that blends traditional country, southern rock, and Americana into a sound that’s both rugged and authentic. Listening to the songs on this, their fourth studio album, for a second and third time, I realized that I hadn’t been this sure of a band’s power since the first time I heard Randy Rogers Band years ago.

The Barlow consists of Shea Boynton (lead vocals, guitar), along with Ben Richter (drums), Jason Berner (bass), and Brad Johnson (guitar) – plus assistance from Craig Bennington (pedal steel, banjo) and Andy Schneider (keyboards).

Three tracks from High Spirits have been released as singles: “High Spirits,” the title track, features an intoxicating groove with harmonies and electric and pedal steel guitar licks. “It Ain’t Mine” is a ballad that paints a portrait of the West, complete with a moon and a cowboy on the plains. It includes yearning pedal steel and vocals by Shea Boynton. “Roping the Wind” features tremolo guitar and a determined beat. These three songs, all loose narratives full of atmosphere, represent The Barlow’s versatility and accessibility well. This is a band that can obviously create a complete live concert experience comfortably. Rather than chase any specific overly familiar sound, they know that offering their own will bring the audience toward them. Gotta respect that. This is just the kind of credibility that country music needs.

• The Barlow Upcoming Performances (check the website for more dates):
• June 6 – Surfside Seven, Fort Collins, CO
• June 7 – Ralston Park Addition, Arvada, CO
•  June 18 – The Brickyard, Wichita, KS
• June 19 – Maggie’s Music Box, Jenks, OK
• June 20 –  Grady’s 66 Pub- Yukon, OK
  June 21 – Lula’s Boom Boom Room- Canyon, TX
• July 17 – Tailgate Tavern & Grill, Parker, CO
• July 25 – Motherlode Saloon, Red River, NM
• July 26 – Little Bear Live, Evergreen, CO