Raised By Eagles – Diamonds In The Bloodstream

On their second album Raised By Eagles (Melbourne, Australia) eschew some of the ragged country rock moves of their debut and head for classic songwriting territory with excursions into power pop and acoustic balladry. The intimate and explicitly emotional storytelling of “Sugar Cane” and the warm breezy sway of “Honey” act as counterpoints to “Window Seat’s” Ryan Adams/Tom Petty serenading swagger, the infectious “Days Fall” and the moving tale of “Jackie“, complete with Thin Lizzy meets Wilco spiralling guitar riff. By carving out their own niche in the world of alt.country Raised By Eagles should widen their appeal with this accomplished sophomore album

8/10

Chris Familton