In describing Assembly of Dust's sound, Reid Genauer coined the term "hick-funk." Oxymoronic as it may be, it is an apt term to describe the sound of the band Genauer formed two years after leaving the Vermont jam-rockers Strangefolk. Recollection, their third studio album and second on Hybrid Records, has more of a country/upbeat folk feel than their live performances. By pulling back the reins, Genauer gives Assembly Of Dust space to work and in so doing keeps the focus on the songs and the lyrics.

With Nate Wilson inserting timely and deliciously funky keyboard lines and Adam Terrell handling lead guitar, Assembly of Dust sound like an East coast, latter-day version of The Eagles on Recollection, only without the decadence, drugs or Don Henley's pompous attitude. With his songwriting, Genauer (and Wilson) travel down the same trails blazed by Robert Hunter and the Grateful Dead, creating working class characters and populist motifs on "Telling Sue," "Bootlegger's Advice" and "Samuel Aging." The rhythm section of Adam Herrick (drums) and John Leccesse (bass) nicely work their way through sections spanning from jazz to seventies-era light funk in a subtle manner.

Assembly Of Dust is not a band that captures your attention by trying to overwhelm you. However, Recollection effectively captures their inviting laid-back style. Much in line with the Assembly's demeanor, Recollection's charms don't immediately jump out; rather, they blossom and unfold much in the same way the world unravels itself in their songs.