Carbon Leaf

Though sometimes pegged as a Celtic-rock band, Carbon Leaf doesn’t so much embrace those sounds as flirt with them. The Virginia group’s core is simple, straightforward pop-rock that ought to appeal to fans of Dave Matthews and the lighter side of modern-rock radio. Mandolins and tin whistles are sometimes involved, but the starring role goes to Barry Privett’s confident voice. After a split from Vanguard Records—not to mention an original Christmas album—Carbon Leaf struck out on its own, and has since been relishing its newfound indie status. A new live album, Live, Acoustic...And In Cinemascope!, was released earlier this year.

Updated 07/20/2011