An atypical standout II

I've praised Nickel Creek's music many times on this blog.  The core trio of Chris Thile on mandolin, Sara Watkins on violin, and Sean Watkins on guitar has shown from its first release how skilled it is, instrumentally and vocally.  Prior to their "Why Should The Fire Die?" album, most of their songs were either pleasant, infectious instrumentals,  such as "Ode To A Butterfly" and "Smoothie Song," or generally optimistic vocal numbers, such as "This Side" or "Out Of The Woods."  Even the lyrics with more tempered outlooks, i.e. "Reasons Why" or "Beauty And The Mess," are gripping in a thoughtful, genteel way.  In contrast, many of the tracks on "Why Should The Fire Die?" convey a much more downcast outlook.  "Somebody More Like You," "Jealous Of The Moon," and the title track suggest a more world-weary view on how a relationship falls apart.  "Best Of Luck" stands out most in this regard.  The ominous mandolin intro--When do you ever read that phrase in a music review?--sets the tone.  Telling the tale of a relationship disintegrating due to one partner's temptation to cheat, Sara Watkins pulls off a spitfire, in-your-face vocal style that's a huge departure for her, while Chris Thile and Sean Watkins join her in wishing the tempted one "best of luck."  Unlike many of Nickel Creek's songs, "Best Of Luck" isn't intended to make the listener feel comfortable, and that makes it all the more striking.