Wagons

Wagons are the latest in a growing number of roots-rockers from the land of Oz seeking attention overseas. And the Melbourne-based sextet deserve to gain some with this slightly uneven, but generally strong, release. They're led by Henry Wagons, a singer with a big, beefy, colourful voice that has elicited comparisons to Nick Cave and Johnny Cash. Word is he's a charismatic performer and some of Wagons' material ("Follow The Leader") sounds like it might work better in a rowdy bar than in a quiet listening environment. Things begin impressively with "Downlow," a tune with something of a jangly, British pub-rock feel, while sparser closing cut "Marylou" is another highlight. Tunes in between take you on something of a rollercoaster ride, switching tempos and tunes frequently. The group earn bonus points for entitling a song "Willie Nelson," but it has something of a novelty air to it. Better are moodier numbers "Moon into the Sun" and convincing ballad "My Daydreams." There's enough merit here to justify jumping on this band's wagon.