Dead Rock West – Honey and Salt
Boasting a top rhythm section, a do-it-all keyboardist, a charismatic female/male fronting duo powerhouse belter Cindy Wasserman and guitarist/vocalist/harmonicat Frank Lee Drennen this well-met group of savvy road vets gelled into a remarkably distinct, cohesive unit right out of the gate. Honey And Salt is Big Sky western rock with an inside-country draw where cactus trumps corn. They kick the snot out of Xs Burning House Of Love (the lone cover), and another half-dozen or so of Drennens originals traverse the hallowed, sexy-smart turf worked by X and/or their underrated Georgia doppelgangers, the Swimming Pool Qs. Theres character, chops and substance here.