Punch Brothers

One of the most ambitious string bands to emerge in the early 21st century, Punch Brothers built their sound on a platform of virtuosic instrumentalism and dazzling arrangements. Formed in the late 2000s after the dissolution of mandolinist Chris Thile's former band, Nickel Creek, Punch Brothers' amalgam of bluegrass energy, classical complexity, and jazzy improvisation was immediately apparent. Staples of the Nonesuch label, all but one of the band's albums have topped the Billboard Bluegrass charts while also making strong crossover showings on the pop, rock, and folk charts. A roots music supergroup, Punch Brothers made their live debut at Carnegie Hall and were the subject of the 2011 documentary, How to Grow a Band. Their fifth album, 2018's All Ashore, won the Grammy Award for Best Folk Album and they followed it in early 2022 with the tribute set Hell on Church Street.