Morning Shift

Morning Shift marks a pivotal chapter for Steep Canyon Rangers, being their first full-length release following the departure of founding member Woody Platt. Recorded at the historic Inn at Bat Cave in North Carolina with producer Darrell Scott, the album prioritizes a 'live-in-the-room' feel that captures the band's evolution into a more soulful, Americana-leaning outfit. The recording process was famously interrupted by a massive thunderstorm, the energy of which reportedly seeped into the performances. Sonically, the album moves away from the high-speed 'grass' of their earlier work toward a more mid-tempo, narrative songwriting style. It features a mix of poignant storytelling, such as 'Hominy Valley,' and intricate instrumentals like the 'Old Stone House' medley. The record was widely praised by critics for its maturity and its ability to maintain the band's virtuosic standards while exploring deeper, more melancholic emotional territory.