The addition of guitarist
Mike McAdam (an original Duke for
Steve Earle) helps round out a sound that's been a big enough movement in traditional country music for its fans to merit a unique moniker -- "
Pinmonkey Junkies." Those junkies have enjoyed the band's feel-good blend of bluegrass,
Eagles-inspired Cali-rock, and down to earth country over the course of two albums; a hit single ("Barbed Wire and Roses," which did well on the Billboard country singles chart and also the Americana market); and tours with
Alan Jackson,
Brad Paisley,
Willie Nelson, and
Lee Ann Womack. The raw and plaintive, soul-searching title track is probably the deepest emotional moment, and gentle turns like "Coldest Fire in Town" bring to mind the best simple-strumming
Eagles and
Poco tunes of the late '70s.
The Pinmonkeys, however, are mostly about having fun, speaking their mind, and even discussing their troubles over danceable, twangy grooves, as they do on "Train Don't Run by Here No More,"
Dolly Parton's brilliant refusal to stay "Down," and the gospel-fired "Can't Have a Hand on Me." Holding things together no matter the vibe and tempo and wringing every last emotion out of the tunes is frontman
Michael Reynolds, whose high-toned emotional voice stands out among modern country rockers but may remind folks of the brilliant
Timothy B. Schmidt. ~ Jonathan Widran