Don Chambers And Goat

The co-production credit here of Patterson Hood is sure to arouse the interest of Drive-By Truckers fans, and it’s hard to imagine they’ll be disappointed by this riveting album from Athens-based roots songsmith Don Chambers. The term "Southern gothic” may be an overused one but it can justifiably be applied to describe his dark visions. Take the stone cold killer cut "Paint The Moon” and its narrative of preachers, sin and primal sex: "we kicked down the door to the bedroom, we fucked with every light on.” Chambers has a virile, macho voice akin to Nick Cave or Mark Lanegan, while the slow dirge of "I Can Waltz” has a Leonard Cohen-like feel. The accompaniment of Chambers’ band Goat is both subtle and spirited, as is the production work of Hood, Chambers and Andy Baker. Female backing vocals add resonance to "Send Me No Angels” and "Falling Off The Edge Of The World,” two other highlights of this fine, fodder-free disc.