Not many bands can claim that it sprouted an entire genre, but Leftover Salmon can. The Colorado-based aggregation, led by founding members Vince Herman and Drew Emmitt, planted the seeds of jamgrass 32 years ago and has influenced such kindred spirits as Yonder Mountain String Band and Trampled By Turtles.

Leftover Salmon’s latest release and second on Compass Records delivers the group’s latest musical crop in spades. In some ways, Brand New Good Old Days a return-to-roots reset with a laidback mountain ambiance with such songs as the title track and “Sunday” that could have easily been written in the band’s early days.

Three covers fit the group’s playful, envelope-pushing spirit like a glove, especially “Category Stomp,” where Herman delivers the tongue-twisting chorus at the speed of an auctioneer.

A John Hartford cover is always within the realm of possibilities for Leftover Salmon, but Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” certainly isn’t. Yet, the arrangement follows a bluegrass chord progression, except for the delightful cacophonic, psychedelic explosion midway through.

“Boogie Grass Band,” a ’70s Conway Twitty top ten hit, is another gold star pick. Since the lyrics reference the Allman Brothers Band, Emmitt and Herman honor Duane Allman and Dickey Betts with a brief twin-guitar ride.

Yet, Leftover Salmon proves it’s more than just a party band since its originals go beyond just scratching the surface. Andy Thorn’s clawhammer banjo-powered “Run Fox Run” addresses mass shootings and the need for gun control. On “Left Unsung,” Greg Garrison pays homage to Yonder Mountain’s Jeff Austin, who died tragically in 2019. Instead of being a depressing tearjerker, the ode offers hope, healing and optimism with a sunny chorus and a promise to carry on Austin’s legacy and memories.

Herman’s “We’ll Get By” is rife with thoughts, among them perseverance, living life to its fullest, and overcoming obstacles along the way. After all, each day can be treated as a brand-new day, just like it once was.