The Avett Brothers

CRITIC’S PICK: The Avett Brothers, Gas South—The North Carolina-bred Brothers’ high energy, folksy bluegrass, country and roots rocking has made them somewhat unlikely arena stars over the past two decades that they have been active. Hooking up with a major label and, significantly, super producer Rick Rubin, hasn’t hurt. But they have recently left, or been dismissed, from Columbia and are now back on their original Ramseur imprint for a just released self-titled 12th album. Like its predecessors the Avett’s shift from heartfelt ballads to more dynamic burners, all enlivened by solid playing, emotional singing and some old bluegrass influences. Still, they are better live than in the studio where their enthusiasm is contagious. — Hal Horowitz