Nickel Creek

Like many bands, the three southern Californians of Nickel Creek have their compelling levels of mystery. But sometimes they still get asked to describe their music.

"When I meet someone on a plane, someone who sees the instrument and wants to know what I do," says mandolinist Chris Thile, "I always say, 'It's acoustic."

Guitarist Sean Watkins extols the freedom a trio can provide. "Because we knew each other so well musically as well as personally, our songs can take different shapes live without too much thought -- and it's really nice to have three versatile instruments when we leave the page."

Violinist Sara Watkins will sum things up. "We use a lot of detailed arrangements, but there is also room for improvisation. I think of us as a sort of high-energy chamber band."

On Why Should the Fire Die?, Nickel Creek are like any other band—any other band who manage to write, play, and sing a commanding album. It is their third collec...