With Rick Rubin both signing and producing The Avett Brothers, it would seem that the North Carolina folk and bluegrass trio would be poised to become the next crossover sensation with their new disc. Instead, The Avett Brothers just use their major label dollars to add subtle flourishes to their subdued sound.

The title track is not only the album's best moment, but easily one of the best songs of the year. Brothers Scott and Seth trade vocals--Scott's low and gruff, Seth's high and sweet -- over piano chords, banjo plucking, and gentle cello. The boys put meaning into every word when they sing "I, and, love, and you."

The rest of the record, however, is not quite as convincing. There are stirring moments ("Head Full of Doubt," "Ill With Want"), but a number of the tunes fall flat ("Ten Thousand Words") Though a bit campy, the raucous "Kick Drum Heart" is a fun change of pace from the album's generally serious tone and "Slight Figure of Speech" shows that these country boys aren't afraid to rock.

The Avett Brothers may not have a mainstream hit on their hands, but you won't hear long-time fans complaining.