Brainwasher
Bare Jr.'s little bit of country, whole lotta rock & roll slant manages to be both deeply rooted and just far enough off the beaten path to be provocative. The group, fronted by Bobby Bare Jr., the son of one of Nashville's early mavericks, fits loosely between the alt-country and Southern-rock schools, but they're rowdier than the former bunch and more clever than the latter--kind of like an updatedLynyrd Skynyrdwith an infusion of humor. This sophomore release packs the same kind of punch as their impressive debut, though it's a maturer offering. Bare delivers his hangdog lyrics with an appealing caterwaul while his compatriots alternately rage and ruminate behind him. WithBrainwasher, the foursome have delivered an album that stands apart. One hopes it draws the crowd it deserves.--Steven Stolder