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After more than 10 years in the music business, veteran rockers Unwritten Law moved their sound out of the studio and into the woods.

Literally.

Their newest album From Music in High Places, released Jan. 21, was recorded in Wyoming at Yellowstone National Park, in conjunction with a new MTV series “Music in High Places.” The new television series sends bands to shot sets in various beautiful places around the world, or as the creators of the show say “”National Geographic Explorer” for the MTV and VH1 generations.”

“Yeah,” says Unwritten Law frontman Scott Russo in a recent press release, “They sent Collective Soul to Morocco and LeeAnn Rimes to the Yucatan, and we got Cody, Wyoming.”

“I’m a surf guy, not a backpacker,” Russo continues, “But I think it turned out to be our best album.”

From Music in High Places was obviously heavily influenced by the environment it was recorded in. The re-worked tracks were recorded in various places around the park, including at the edge of a geyser.

Songs from their last four albums are present, but the songs that really shine are from last year’s breakthrough album Elva.

Hit single “Seein’ Red” is especially reflective and stripped-down, as is “Up All Night.” This isn’t the mosh-pit thrashing, pop-punk Unwritten Law of their previous albums, but it still rocks.

Several of the songs feature traditional Native American drummers and vocalists which only lends to the intensity of the organic, western vibe.

The natural sound also allows for the buried poetry of the lyrics to shine through.

“We’ve always put a lot of effort into writing songs as songs,” Russo says. “And in this environment, it really comes through. The vibe is fun, loose, and the melodies are laid bare.”

All in all, the bareness of From Music in High Places will allow for a larger audience to access the bands toned-down, more poppy songs.

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