Self-described as "urgent folk" by one band member, Lincoln's Beard, out of Vancouver, Wash., follows in the tradition of playing honest, simple folk while embracing the grit and attitude of American rock. In its debut LP, "Our American Cousin," the band benefits from the big, warm sound of quality production, without losing the personal feel.

Between the three members, acoustic guitar, banjo, keyboard, mandolin, a cheap-yet-effective xylophone, drums, bass and trumpet are used. For all the mixing of elements, however, the album flows nice and smooth. All three provide vocals, but Kristopher Chrisopulos takes on the brunt of the singing in a grungy, determined manner.

Lincoln's Beard's sound is very driven by its rambling, collaborative craft style. The band jumps around stylistically - from backwoods gospel ("Grandpa Christmas") to jaunty pop ("No. 2") - but each song seems to pick up right where the last one left off.

The songs also are tied together by the moody-yet-uplifting harmonies on "Heartache" (the one track longer than three minutes) and "As We Speak." "Fishstix" plays the album's last call, an unyielding beat, trumpet solos for verses and the repeated chorus wail, "Rowing my boat out to sea."

Enjoyable at least, transcendent at times, "Our American Cousin" is a good starting point for the guys who claim to not know what they're doing.

Ossie Bladine / The News-Register