Reckless Kelly
(Yep Roc)
There's nothing reckless about the way Reckless Kelly prune their influences, especially in light of the adroit way in which they do it. Their latest opus testifies to that fact, and in a sense, Somewhere In Time is as timeless as its title implies. The ringing Byrds-like riff that precedes "The Ballad of Elano DeLeon" as well as the weary stoned cowboy New Riders vibe that pervades "I've Done Everything That I Could Do Wrong," "Thelma" and "I Hold the Bottle, You Hold the Wheel" each attest to their reverence for country rock's most favored ‘60s stalwarts. Still, a dozen years after their initial convening, the group has managed to forge their own distinctive style, one that combines a certain swagger with their rootsier inclinations. "Little Blossom" and "Some People's Kids" are especially defining in that regard, while other tracks - "Best Forever Yet," "You Cared Enough To Lie" and "Idaho Cowboy" in particular - bring their down-home sentiments to the fore.
Ultimately, Somewhere In Time illustrates that by this point in time, Reckless Kelly rank among the best of their breed. With their astute combination of humor, insurgency, steel guitar and relentless determination all put to good use, they're a band that clearly deserves some devotion.
Standout Tracks: "Little Blossom,'
"The Ballad of Elano DeLeon," "I Hold the Bottle, You Hold the Wheel" LEE
ZIMMERMAN
