was hardly the first act to emerge in the 1990s, but as one of the first -style bands to gain a following (and a major label contract) in Nashville for nearly 20 years, they suggested that in the midst of -mania there were still folks in Music City hungry for some down-home twang in the classic style, which made music a phenomenon in the first place. 's self-titled debut album may lack a bit of the grit and high spirits of their live show (either as witnessed in person or as preserved on the EP), but it does a great job of capturing this band's spunky attitude and superb chops, and makes clear they can write original songs just as well as they can give new life to classics by and . While a few tunes like play to the slightly kitschy side of the group's collective personality, testify that truly respect classic music, and write songs as smart and heartfelt as the classics they cover. And boy, can they play -- shines on every instrument he touches (including fiddle, steel guitar, and mandolin), are a superbly uncluttered rhythm section, and can pick just as well as they harmonize (and that's mighty fine indeed). Adding a here-and-now energy and drive to classic styles of the past, proves you can not only have it both ways, but have a great time to boot. ~ Mark Deming