Neighbours at the edge of the Californian desert, legendary producer Fowley plays with ex-Misunderstood drummer Swedeen as two-thirds of The Bluebird Trio, alongside this splinter. Swedeen proves himself a multi-instrumental dynamo, tackling everything from cactus blues and roadhouse ramalama to outlaw country and beyond. Assorted friends pitch in (notably ex-Kaleidoscoper Chris Darrow on lap-steel), but Fowley’s low snarl summons a stealthy menace on these songs inspired by Little Steven, Johnny Cash and, um, Wal-Mart.
Advertisement