Inspired by the people and place that surrounds them, CMSB is connected by a common vein that injects a high level of energy into each song. "Folks often ask us to describe the kind of music we play and I guess from a commercial stand point you can call it 'old time' or 'string band' music, but to us it's just music," says Ratliff. Melody lines are played out on the fiddle with accompaniment from the knock down banjo and pushed by the vigorous rhythms of the guitar and doghouse, known as 'Rowan County Rhythm.' Their vocal harmonies are also very distinct and tend to blend seamlessly not only with each other but also with the music.