Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Creating a style of music so unique it doesn't have an easily defined name - how about hillbilly-roots-rock? (Nah. Let's settle for alt country. Ed) That sounds too redneck for this edgy, creative, beautiful music. Perhaps I should simply tell you that their influences are as diverse as VOL, Bruce Cockburn and The Grateful Dead! As yet unknown here, 'Beautiful Lazy' is actually their third album and contains music that ranges from the dense "Blood On The Door" through the shuffling country rock of "One Day" and the out and out Hammond organ fuelled rootsy rock n roll of "Rat Race". At the other extreme, the album is also filled with atmospheric ballads like the exquisite "Amy's Ring Waltz", the gentle "Wallflower" and the vibey blues of "Tresspass" which builds from a quiet start to an electrifying finish. Lyrically, there s a strong bedrock of faith expressed in clever quirky lyrics reminiscent at times of Bill Mallonee, and like the music the band create, totally devoid of any cliché. Roots music at its best and refreshment for my ears!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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