Since forming in 2010, California-based Dead Winter Carpenters has gained a reputation for steadfast touring, heartfelt performances, and authentic Americana. Portland Metronome puts the quintet “at the forefront of a youthful generation trying to redefine what string music is and what it can do.” That progressive nature shines through in the band’s latest album, Washoe (February 26). A 12-song collection of original songs by Dead Winter Carpenter members, Washoe’s diverse track list pays tribute to diverse musical influences including classic rock, bluegrass, alt-country, and rockabilly. Highlight tracks include “Midnight Ghost,” “Love Amongst Thieves,” and “Winning Hand,” and the angst-tinged duet, “If I Wrote You A Song.” The five-piece outfit is: -fiddler/vocalist – Jenni Charles -upright bassist/vocalist – Dave Lockhart -guitarist/vocalist – Jesse Dunn -guitarist/vocalist – Bryan Daines -drummer/vocalist – Brian Huston