The Waylons "The Waylons" (Independent 2006)

40 minutes of 'hardfolk' heaven ...

Unjustly overlooked thus far, this indie four-piece bangs out a good line in ‘hardfolk’ and, on the strength of this record, deserve to be snapped by a decent label. Reviving the lost art of melody with jangly guitars and ‘proper’ choruses, they manage to sound accessible without ever getting sugary or predictable. Of the uptempo stuff, ‘Anyone’ is one irresistible hook after another rivalled only by the equally infectious ‘Stunning’. The name ‘The Waylons’ suggests country but this is about as country as The Replacements; i.e., not at all. ‘Hardfolk’ sums it up perfectly although their softer moments, as in ‘Take Me Out’ are just as seductive as their coarser, riffier tracks. Throughout, the twin guitars are up front and Karl Wachter and Sean Leadem’s vocals sound radio friendly in the best sense of the word; tight, on key, full of enthusiasm. Apparently the word is spreading that this New York band is up for greater things and, obviously, for good reason. In the fine tradition of bands as far back as The Kinks to more modern outfits like Buffalo Tom, The Waylons give the (sometimes unfashionable) three minute pop song the credibility it seems to have lost over the years. The next album will be on a major label. Guaranteed.

Date review added:  Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Reviewer:  Robin Cracknell
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  artist's website