Polecat brings the Northwest happy grass

(this piece was published by Planet JH Weekly)Paralleling the efforts of eclectic string band Railroad Earth, Bellingham, Washington quintet Polecat shouldn’t be pinned as a bluegrass band. Not just that they incorporate drums and electric guitar along with fiddle, upright bass and twelve-string guitar, but its extension into world music, country, Celtic and rock make for a wide-reaching, song-based approach.“When people ask us what genre we perform in, I just call it ‘roots music,’” lead vocalist/guitarist Aaron Guest said. “It’s the people’s music. There is something in it for fans of every genre, I think.”Polecat’s 2013 release, Fathoms, delves into mostly blissful subjects celebrating life, love and spending time with friends. This is not your Southern-bred high and lonesome sound, but rather a contemporary, twang-less play on a variety of melodic paths, anchored by inviting vocals and strong songwriting. Polecat, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Silver Dollar Bar. Free. 732-3939.