Infamous Stringdusters go on victory lap behind new album

Think of the upcoming concert by the Infamous Stringdusters — who will be joined by up-and-coming bluegrass band Tramped by Turtles — as something of a victory lap. And why not? The Stringdusters’ latest release, “Things That Fly,” certainly merits the attention. That’s saying something for a bluegrass band that has won some of bluegrass’ highest honors for their work, which is often called among the best in roots music. On their latest album, the Stringdusters push the boundaries of their musical style, moving from a rousing version of U2’s classic “In God’s Country,” to the folk anthem “It’ll Be Alright” and into straight bluegrass.

“We have a crew of pretty disparate and eclectic influences but we also have a very harmonious group filled with mutual respect,” said Chris Pandolfi, noting the band will occasionally go into seclusion to brew up their own unique sound. “It’s never been necessarily very hard for us to get the ideas together; it just takes time.”

When you consider the rock, pop and indie stylings that are often whipped into the band’s signature voice, it’s even more impressive that players may take songs in any number of directions when played live.

That’s also one reason the tour partnering with Trampled by Turtles — a band that is no stranger to mixing musical styles — makes sense.

“Most of us have been in rock bands, so I think a lot of that transfers over to how we play a live show,” said vocalist-guitarist Dave Simonett. “Our shows are more about energy.”

Of course fans of the Stringdusters know that concerts and festivals showcase what is arguably the band’s strongest side.

Combine that with the band members’ musical prowess — which includes the tenacity to work with songs until they are fine-tuned for the band’s signature voice — and you understand why the band’s fan base continually grows.

“It’s our best asset,” Pandolfi said of the stage show. “We are lucky because we have very good instruments in the band and the show can be different every night to give the listeners unique experience. There’s no telling what it’s going to be from one night to the next.”