By Steve Holt, Sports Editor

Americana music is cool now.

Chock full of bluegrass roots, the new group Nickel Creek mixes tight harmonies with spectacular instrumentals to create the perfect blend of rolicking hoe-downs and mellow ballads.

Produced by bluegrasscountry musician Alison Krauss, Nickel Creek’s self-titled album begins with the instrumental bluegrass jam “Ode To A Butterfly.”

The rest of the album is an addictive mix of the fast and slow.

So for listeners who enjoy serious finger-picking with gorgeous, poignant vocals, Nickel Creek is definite ear-candy.

And they’re all in their early 20’s, so don’t expect these young’ns to go anywhere anytime soon.