Rackhouse Pilfer
Album: Back To The Country
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.rackhousepilfer.blogspot.co.uk

Back to the country is the debut album from Sligo based six piece 'Americana, Roots, Rockgrass' band Rackhouse Pilfer. It is a collection of ten covers versions of songs that have influenced the band.

Unsuprising, certain tracks work better than others. The standout is Springsteens Atlantic City - the track with the go to mandolin part before being usurped by Losing My Religion - it's style closer to the Band's take than the Bosses original. At the other end of the scale is their attempt at Ryan Adams' Oh, My Sweet Carolina. It fails to conveys the sense of loss and longing essential to the song.

In between are a collection of interesting choices; Get Back to the County from Neil Young's country album Old Ways is unlikely to be at the top of most peoples list of Young tracks. They have also stayed away from the obvious with Old Crow Medicine Show's Shack Number 9 .

There is an infectious energy about all ten tracks on this album. It sounds like they are having a great time and you just can't help turning the volume dial up a little, then a little more and then a little bit more again.

Originally this was just going to be an EP while they sorted out a producer for the albums worth of original material they have but it just kind of expanded. If things go to plan that album will be released later this year - busy times ahead.

John 'The Jacket' Hawes