Former
Oblivians and
Compulsive Gamblers frontman Greg Cartwright cools his boiling garage leanings to a simmer on the Memphis musician's debut with
the Reigning Sound. It's all about the material on
Break Up Break Down, and there are only scattered references to the primal blues-rock of Cartwright's notable '90s projects. Heart-tugging vocals and songwriting are the central components that this country-folk collection revolves around. Highlights like the waltz-time lament "Goodbye" have just what it takes to grip the inner
Hank Williams in every garage rocker, without tripping any irony-minded alerts that equate anything emotional with overt sentimentality. Perhaps this delicate country-rock balancing act is what impressed
the Hives enough to take
the Reigning Sound out on tour, or perhaps the decision was tribute to Cartwright's overlooked punk/gospel work with
Oblivians. Such thoughts won't concern fans of traditional American music after they've confronted the authenticity and the sweetness of
Break Up Break Down. ~ Vincent Jeffries