Accomplished bluegrass ensemble Pine Mountain Railroad’s latest album is devoted to songs celebrating and declaring the gospel. Their five-man band (with supplements) of multi-talented, accomplished musicians covers a great deal of territory in this release. Roaming from fiery calls to repentance to aching songs of longing for heaven the crisp instrumentals and tight harmonies make for a captivating listening experience.

With a core of traditional, public domain hymns, and gospel classics PMR mixes in a scant handful of contemporary works. The combined lyrics create a picture of a simple, salt of the earth faith. No fancy theology here, just plain old-fashioned praise sent up to Jesus, the joys awaiting believers in heaven and the age-old story of salvation.

While 80% of the songs on this disc are found in the public domain, the music is never stale. Each title receives a fresh interpretation, PMR claiming each one as their own through new arrangements and personal tweaks. I wasn’t sure about some of the more drastic changes found in old stand by’s. “Rock of Ages” was so unlike traditional arrangements that I disliked it the first few times through; now I’m catching myself singing the new harmonies of this re-worked hymnal standard throughout the day. Any listener who opens their ears to Pine Mountain Railroad's sweet strains is sure to be won over in like manner.

However not all of the old favourites have been given such a facelift, many remain quite recognizable. “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be” and “The Old Rugged Cross” are two that pair familiarity with the fresh coat of paint PMR applies.

Shuler’s original opening track made respectable appearances on bluegrass charts, “My Eyes Shall Be On Canaan’s Land” is a toe-tapping piece embodying the best of the style – twangy vocals, quick banjo picking with sweet fiddle solo’s. If this tune isn’t enough to get you dancing, nothing is. Perhaps the strongest track instrumentally, “My Eyes” doesn’t fail to draw upon the group’s main strength – achingly beautiful and bang-on 4 part harmony.