I shared a bill with them once,and for what it's worth, they left me totally cold. I was impressed by their musicianship and I really like the fiddle player's singing-and of course Chris is fantastic,but I would like to hear them cut out about half of the noodly stuff they do live.It's all very clean and very Nashville and I just don't get it.Being impressed just isn't enough for me.
We had a session after the gig and Chris totally cut loose with Martin (green), he went wild and I saw something that just won't be satisfied by playing the kind of acoustic rootsy pop that they play.Not to say that there isn't a place for them in the world,there is room for everyone and the chances are that they will point people towards the good stuff too.Whether or not those people will then "grow out" of Nickel Creek,we don't know, but I suspect it does happen.
All in my humble,of course.They are lovely people and deserve the best.
cheers,
eliza cx