Fast Paced World is the title of the fourth CD release from Canadian string band adventurists, The Duhks, due August 12 from Sugar Hill Records.

The band has consistently avoided easy labels, with their eclectic mix of styles and influences, though largely staying close to traditional acoustic string band instruments.

Judging by Mighty Storm, the first single released from the album (audio online), their sound is taking a bluesy turn. As Fast Paced World is the band’s first recorded project since they swapped lead vocalists, bringing Sarah Dugas in for Jessee Havey in 2007, one would have expected some changes. In fact, Dugas describes it as a conscious effort.

“We traveled from Winnipeg, locked ourselves in a Nashville basement, pooled our ideas together and invented a new sound.”

It’s likely that Nashville producer Jay Joyce, who made his name writing, recording, performing and producing pop, country and film music, also had a hand in retooling the band’s sonic landscape for the new CD. His credits range far and wide, including producing artists like John Hiatt and John Cowan as well as as the soundtracks for Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs and How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days.

In addition to Dugas, the band is composed of Leonard Podolak (banjo), Tania Elizabeth on fiddle and mandolin, Jordan McConnell on guitar, and Christian Dugas (brother of Sarah) on percussion.

Their tour schedule can be found on the band’s MySpace page.