“ The Vow,” the opening track from the latest recording by Wytheville, Virginia natives the McPeak Brothers, is a song that deals with some of the positive aspects of being in a relationship. This one song describes the “being there” for the significant other, as a rock to lean on, or, as the project title suggests, a bottom line. There is an implied promise of commitment in the song. The theme of promises seems to run through many of the tunes on the entire project. Bass player Larry McPeak noted that “most all these songs on this recording has got something to do with making a promise, keeping a promise, or somebody has broken a promise to you.”

The Bottom Line is an excellent showcase for the lovely trio harmonies of the McPeak Brothers. Dewey McPeak’s leads can best be described as sensitive, always imparting just the right feeling to match the mood of the lyrics. Larry’s high harmonies offer the perfect counter to any melody and, at times, propel the trios into sweet, ultra-high registers. Mike McPeak’s baritone completes the arrangements, adding a smoothness that blends and holds everything together. Adding ever-tasteful musical support, on mandolin and dobro, is North Carolina native Rick Allred.

The McPeak Brothers feel that The Bottom Line is perhaps their strongest recording since the release of their first County album back in the late 1970s, a project that they cherish for it’s fine assortment of pretty ballads. A special feature of past McPeak albums has been the inclusion of original songs, most of which were penned by Larry McPeak. This collection is no exception, and five of Larry’s recent song writing efforts grace this album. Larry related recently, “one of the first song writers that I ever paid any attention to was Tom T. Hall. I loved the way his songs flowed – they were almost like stories set to music. I’ve tried to do that with my song writing as well.”