Roots rock outfit Meatyard achieve a nice balance on their second release, Sweet Old Green Life. Vocally there is a potent mix of rough and smooth with the gritty baritone of lead singer and guitarist Josh Welsh and the sweet harmony vocals of singer and cellist Molly Hansen. There is a similar balance among the instruments as bluesy slide guitar nestles up to the cello to create pleasing textures. While the 13 songs fall under the broad category of country folk they include joyous shuffles such as “Saint Monica” and “I Like You Good,” tender ballads like “Bottom of My Heart” and “Better Than Nothing,” and charming and dynamic songs like “Some Other Life,” “Sweet Miss McGillicuddy,” and “Going Down Kittyhawk.” Along with 11 well-crafted originals there are a pair of inspired covers in the Everly Brothers’ “Let it Be Me” and a winsome take on the old Stephen Foster tune “Hard Times.” Sweet Old Green Life is a solid sophomore offering by a talented band.