Review: Alt Country Tab

This is the album which has hit the alt-country news because of the inclusion of the song "Choked-Up", written by Ryan Adams and originally destined for the Pneumonia album. Minibar are a British band based in L.A., they have supported Wilco and the Jayhawks in concert, so have a firm pedigree.

This album is more Folk-tinged Indie Rock than straight alt-country. We have seen the likes of Wilco, Jayhawks abandon the narrow confines of alt-country, with the final Whiskeytown album following suit. Minibar follows a tradition more in line with the likes of the Gin Blossoms, with considerable success. The songs flow in a constant stream of classy radio-friendly style that will see them appearing on a T.V. soundtrack near you very soon indeed. Anyone familiar with Whiskeytown's "Choked-Up" will see a carbon copy here, and I can see why the song was given to them, that sums up the sound of the band, the songs such as "Holiday From Myself" and "Road Movies" are shouting "hit record!" loudly and I will not be surprised if they break into the mainstream on the back of this polished effort. If you are a fierce advocate of the "country" rather than the "alt" then you may wish to pass on this album, but those willing to embrace rock and brit-pop will find a gem of an album.

From Alt Country Tab