Back on Track (Self-released, 2024)

Not many bands endure for 54 years, let alone in the dated genre of country rock. Pure Prairie League (PPL), has outlasted most. So, after a nearly two-decade absence, we can relive the glorious sound of the '70s with PPL's return, "Back on Track." The band has understandably undergone personnel changes through the years, and the current lineup is split between veterans and newcomers. Founding member John David Call is on pedal steel and vocals and Scott Thompson is on drums and vocals with newcomers Randy Harper on keyboards and vocals, Jeffrey Zona on guitars and vocals, and Jared Camic on bass and vocals. Their four- and five-part harmonies sound as good as ever and the new members, especially Camic and Zona, wrote most of the material. Guests include Jenifer Wrinkle on fiddle, Jeff (Birdman) Kirk on alto sax, Mat Britain on steel drums and percussion and former PPL member Gary Burr on vocals. Former PPL bassist and bandleader Michael Reilly produced.

Zona's opener "The Beginning" will sound familiar as the harmonies soar gleefully. Zona also penned "Picture Perfect Life," which sounds a bit stripped back until we hear the pedal steel break and those swelling harmonies again. Based on these two tracks, the band sound almost too happy, a rarity in these times. Yet, they excel in ballad fare too as exemplified by Burr's "I Believe I Could Fall in Love with Loving You." By contrast, Camic's "Skipping Stones" raves up with jangling guitars, barroom piano and a Southern rock-like vibe as does Camic's closer, the title track.

While "Crazy World" is a bit generic and "Modern Problem" perhaps overly dramatic, the band finds its footing on the twangy love song "I'm the Lucky One" and the pulsating "A Love Like Yours," both from Zona. Camic's "Price of Love" is a sugary pop, but benefits from the unusual sound of steel drums in the mix. PPL honors past legends Lowell George and Keith Godcheaux, the writers of "Six Feet of Snow," a feature for fiddler Wrinkle.

Not only is PPL back on track. They sound as vital as ever. Let their harmonies carry you away.