It’s a common misconception that stability and reliability are the safest and most rewarding qualities that we should strive for in our lives. The promise of an inviting bed and a hot meal at the end of the day are comforting ideals, things all people deserve. But to really feel something, to endure the surprise and adrenaline of the unexpected keeps us on our toes. In this way, Larry and His Flask bring refreshing flavor with their music. Where the industry is lacking individuality, unique musical texture, and something to proudly blast on the car radio, Larry more than picks up the slack.

All That We Know could easily be described a frenzied, fast-paced, multi-faceted balancing act of genres sewn together with precise musicianship that is “finger-pickin’ good.” Moving from roots in classic country to bluegrass infused with vocals not unlike Sublime’s Bradley Nowell providing pure melodic hooks, Larry and His Flask have accomplished what many more weathered acts would probably fail at: creating a record that transitions fluidly from one song to the next without becoming sloppy and disconnected in the process.

“Land of the F(R)Ee” opens up like something Johnny and the Devil would have battled to down in Georgia, with banjos and head-spinning picking parts supporting the lyrics “I see the blood-red dust on his soul. His tired boots are as black as coal,” but by the time “Manifest Destiny” begins with trumpets blaring, we’ve come full circle back into a place of rhythm, Mardi Gras, and more banjo-picking to boot (but still managing to round out the track with rag time style piano cued up to an old Dudley Do-Right film).

Not only are Larry and His Flask innovative in their sound, marrying genres to create a lovechild the oldest, dirtiest, bluesiest musicians would appreciate, but their affinity for combining full and inviting vocals with endearing lyrics makes for a truly pleasurable listening experience from start to finish. Larry and His Flask have a knapsack brimming with stories to tell about dusty barren lands and dark and twisted protagonists; any pursuer of pure and awesome music would find an ally here. In the words of Larry himself, “No beauty, no love, no life.”