THE BACKSLIDERS from Dallas, TX are often referred to as a kind of retro rock band. From what I’ve heard they even won ‘Best Blues Band’ award in the Dallas Observer Music Awards. One could get the wrong idea. Because although their music is certainly old fashioned it’s not blues at all but much more what one could call power pop. Think ELVIS COSTELLO, THE MOTELS, BLONDIE, THE PRETENDERS, stuff like that. The first half of this record (which in total barely makes the half hour mark) consists of six crispy and catchy pop rock tunes with some nice guitar work. Some of em rather anonymous upon first hearing but they do get better with repeated listens. On the second half the rockers are interspersed with some smooth balladry, revealing a more rootsy, even country-esque side to their music. Singer Kim Pendleton has a nice, husky voice but it’s on these slower tracks that she particularly shines, sounding like a cross between Debbie Harry and k.d. Lang. It’s also because of these songs that I keep playing this record over and over again. Hey, it’s not classic stuff or anything but it certainly does the job. And it’s a great alternative when you’re tired of your RUSH and OPETH records.

- Van Hoften

OFFICIAL SITE: www.thebacksliders.com

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