A lot has changed for Michael Ford Jr. and Apache Relay over the past year, beginning with the release of their debut LP 1988. In the time since, the group has ditched the first half of their name in favor of The Apache Relay and are already hard at work on a follow-up to their fairly impressive debut.1988 is a gentle folksy country release, with more twang than Nickel Creek but less energy than The Avett Brothers. Though Ford has cited Springsteen as one of his heaviest influences, it's not really evident here. What is clear is that the group is another in an ever-expanding crop of young progressive bluegrass artists trying to find their niche.
