The Derailers: Full Western Dress (Curb)
This should act as a useful last-minute primer for those heading to the Kilkenny roots weekend as this four-man Texan band is among the line-up. Hailing from Austin, the unofficial musical capital of the Lone Star state, The Derailers are steeped in the traditions of country music, particularly the Bakersfield sound of Buck Owens who guests on the excellent Play Me The Waltz of the Angels. But the key figures of Tony Villanueva (guitar/vocals) and Brian Hofeld (guitar/ vocals) have swallowed a whole heap of other influences - The Beatles and other non-Nashville types - which adds an extra dimension to their engaging music. That said, these songs seem corralled in a recording environment; this, clearly, is a band born to play live.
- Joe Breen
BR5-49: Coast To Coast (Grapevine)
Ah yes, the men in funny costumes who sing history lessons as if they were going out of fashion. BR5-49 adopted the doubtful rouse of dressing up like 1950s farm boys and revisiting the country classics canon with archivist zeal. It has been a mixed success. Live onstage they bop with a vengeance, but their records have been stilted affairs, as if they seem caught between growing into a genuine band with its own songs and styles, or remaining a covers band in distinctive clothes. This record of their summer gigs in the US last year is a powerful indication that they have decided to be their own men. There is nothing really new here, but the music crackles with energy and confidence. Even the covers - Gram Parsons, Bob Willis, Don Gibson - are tackled with verve.
- Joe Breen
