Twist Self-released****

The Wiyos are a novel and energetic roots band who began life in Brooklyn about 10 years ago, busking old-timey folk, blues and vaudeville- style tunes. They still play with their roots, but on Twist, a concept album loosely based on The Wizard of Oz, they mould their retro influences into an impressive and cohesive song-cycle that manages to reference the Tinman, the Lion et al without leveraging the movie's legendary status. It shouldn't work, but it does. Teddy Weber and Michael Farkas, the twin peaks of the band, write and play songs with instant foot- tapping appeal, such as the opening Yellow Lines,with its punchy brass and happy harmonica lines. But they also pace their set well, infusing it with energy and variety. The band, named after the Whyos, a notorious Irish-American gang of the late 19th century, are due to tour Ireland in February. See wiyos.com

Download tracks: Yellow Lines, Mary