Lindley Creek Offers a Soothing Harbor with Their New Single, “Breathe”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In the often-turbulent seas of modern life, finding moments of peace and grounding can feel like an impossible quest. Enter Lindley Creek’s latest offering, “Breathe,” a single that doesn’t just promise tranquility but delivers a genuine, sonic safe space. This isn’t just another bluegrass tune; it’s a carefully crafted meditation, born from the creative synergy of Lindley Creek matriarch Kathie Greer and lead vocalist Katie Greer. The result is a track that gently nudges listeners towards calm, encouraging them to find their center amidst emotional choppiness.
“Breathe” arrives at a time when collective stress and anxiety are at an all-time high, making its message of not letting negativity take hold particularly resonant. Producer Jim VanCleve has masterfully woven together instrumentation that is both soothing and subtly intricate, providing the perfect bed for Katie Greer’s moving vocal performance. Her voice, clear and empathetic, acts as a guiding light, assuring listeners that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, but more importantly, that there’s a path back to serenity. This isn’t about ignoring challenges, but rather about equipping oneself with the mental fortitude to navigate them.
The early buzz surrounding “Breathe” is more than just typical industry praise; it speaks to the song’s unique impact. Top Buzz Magazine aptly described it as an “endearing, daringly experimental work,” a testament to Lindley Creek’s willingness to push beyond traditional bluegrass boundaries while maintaining their authentic core. Indie Pulse Music highlighted the impressive feat of making “a simple song sound like a modern folk juggernaut,” showcasing the band’s ability to imbue profound depth into what might, on the surface, appear straightforward. And for the bluegrass purists, Bluegrass Unlimited recognized it as a “vivid meditation featuring more exquisite vocals and a thrilling fiddle ride by producer VanCleve,” ensuring that the song’s roots remain firmly planted.
For those familiar with Lindley Creek, “Breathe” is a natural evolution, building on the strong foundations laid by their previous Pinecastle Records albums, Whispers in the Wind and their impactful debut, Freedom, Love, and the Open Road. The Missouri-based family band—Katie Greer Hutson on lead vocals and mandolin, Kathie Greer on vocals and guitar, John Rob Greer on bass, Jase Greer on vocals and fiddle, and Caroline Greer on dobro—burst onto the national scene in 2020. Their genuine sound, emotionally rich narratives, and captivating live presence quickly garnered them well-deserved recognition, including two IBMA Momentum Award nominations for “Band of the Year” and “Vocalist of the Year” for Katie Greer.
With “Breathe,” Lindley Creek continues to carve out their distinctive niche in the bluegrass and folk landscape. It’s a testament to their artistry that they can deliver a song so deeply personal yet universally relatable, offering not just a listening experience, but a moment of much-needed respite. If you’re looking for a musical balm to soothe a weary soul, “Breathe” is an essential listen.