Britchy’s debut album “Dream On” celebrates the art of songwriting and tradition of fine pickin’. In fourteen original songs, the folk duo pares musical storytelling down to its most essential elements: skillfully played instruments supporting finely crafted lyrics and memorable melodies. Enjoying this record is just like attending an intimate acoustic concert, sitting on a comfy chair between the two expert songwriters as they trade tunes, harmonize, and play their hearts out. And indeed, that’s just the way they recorded it in the studio, two instruments and two voices. Bucking the trend toward ornate production and arrangements, Britchy just sat down and played together. The result is as sonically rich as it is clean. This is folk with fine flavor, a timeless flow of melody and poetry.The duo was formed in 2011 when Missoula, Montana’s bluegrass and americana staple, Richie Reinholdt, began working with Alaska’s Britt Arnesen, a bright new light on the folk scene. Their first album reflects the building synergy that has engaged audiences across the northwest. While performing full-time regionally, Britchy has refined a unique style bridging young and old. Effortlessly blending elements of classic folk, country, and bluegrass, Britchy explores subtle differences between “retro” and “vintage” without becoming “antique.” The music harks back to a time of genuine attention spans and authentic human relationships. It is by no means stuck in the drippy sentimentality of some nostalgic acts. Rather, Britchy updates time-tested folk song forms to explore familiar topics with a fresh perspective. Like chicken soup, with kale.Some of our contemporaries who like their music cluttered, autotuned, and overproduced will be mystified by the calm simplicity of “Dream On.” But even they will be hard pressed to avoid tapping their feet and eventually singing along. Because if well-executed folk music is anything, it’s catchy. These sing-songy numbers showcase the genre at its modern best. Listen to the lyrics and delight in the vivid stories being told, or just relax and feel the expressive tones of vintage guitars, mandolin, and banjo. Britchy’s music is a delight to the ears of acoustic music lovers all over, lyrically and instrumentally.Vintage guitar enthusiasts may be interested to know that on this record, Britt plays her 1957 Gibson J-50 and Richie plays his 1945 Martin D-28 Herringbone.