Austin, Texas’ the Black – David Longoria (formerly in …And You Will Know us by the Trail of Dead), guitarist Alan Schaefer, bassist Jason Chronis and drummer Matt Simon – offer rustic-ringed, 1960s styles reminiscent of Britain’s pub rockers and the alternative country brigade. The group’s sophomore long-player, Sun in the Day Moon at Night, was recorded live and offers a raw, lo-fi quality centered by a monophonic-like mannerism and analog aesthetics.

Opener “Freeway (Exiled)” and bluesy “Death’s Bell” have an off-the-cuff charm which echoes Aftermath-era Rolling Stones; faux-country tunes “Throwing Away” and  “Now I Am Here” replicate late ’60s Dylan right down to rural mythologizing. Southern-shaded “Casey Jones” steals a title from the Grateful Dead, but the tone comes from Arlo Guthrie and Michael Nesmith. The Black are revisionists to a fault, but if you know Robbie Fulks or Ducks Deluxe, then this material will feel familiar.

Grade: B



Sun in the Day Moon at Night is currently available.