‘The View’
The Roys (Rural Rhythm)
3.5 stars out of 5
Bluegrass duo The Roys have had quite the prolific run of success since their 2011 breakthrough release “Lonesome Whistle” put them on the map. Siblings Lee and Elaine Roy struck while the iron was hot, releasing “New Day Dawning” in 2012 and “Gypsy Runaway Train” last year. The latter ultimately proved to be The Roys’ best-selling platter to date.
Latest album “The View” figures to keep their momentum going. The album features 11 original tunes and finds The Roys at the top of their game. Adding to the brother-and-sister chemistry of Lee and Elaine is the fact that they had their backing band — Clint White (fiddle), Daniel Patrick (banjo) and Erik Alvar (bass) — in the studio with them.
As usual, The Roys mix upbeat, happy songs with poignant tunes to keep things interesting throughout. Among the highlights are “Those Boots,” “Heaven Needed Her More,” “Sometimes,” “No More Tears Left to Cry,” “Black Gold” and closer “mandolin Man,” featuring Doyle Lawson.” If bluegrass is your thing, The Roys never disappoint. (Jeffrey Sisk)
Pittsburgh In Tune 