Hillfolk Noir
Album: Radio Hour
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 15
Website: http://www.hillfolknoir.com

Radio Hour is indie folk stalwarts Hillfolk Noir's ninth album in as many years and superbly reiterates their rock-solid case for a bigger stage on which to ply their stock in trade sound they call Junkerdash. To the rest of us it sounds like a swampy, bluesgrassy, gospel-tinged, Depression-era prayer meeting medicine show of warped ragtime delta hillbilly blues folk country… or something like that.

Whether hoedowning to The Great Grizzly Bear Scare, trying it on in Hand In Hand, dissing rock 'n' roll in Talking Music Blues or bitching about it being Rattier in the Outhouse, Hillfolk Noir populate their songs with Carnivale characters you'd love to see if not actually take home to meet your nan. The atmosphere is layered on by the band's inspired decision to programme the album like an old-time radio show complete with adverts, presenters and announcements - imagine The Who's Sell Out meets Hank Williams Honky Tonkin' round at old Tom Waits' place.

It's a wondrous sound filled with sharp playing, outlandish stories, broke pocket bad luck and moments of shining glory - as authentic as anything you'll hear without the use of a time machine and jolly good fun to boot!

Oh, and make sure you keep listening after the end of the album…

Nick Churchill
www.thegranvillechambers.co.uk