Love and the Color Blue

Cranking out alternative country-rock like the second coming of Jay Ferrar, Anchorhead is a wonderfully talented group of musicians from Minneapolis. Apparently they have managed to inherit the drinking habits of local legends the Replacements, but that's where the comparison ends since the rest of their Minnesota influences consist of groups like the Jayhawks. Still, the fact that they're not that original is hardly a problem in this genre; they have an endearing sound that easily puts them heads and tails above most musicians in their position. They have nailed the most important aspect of this genre: energy. So many alternative country groups fail to give the material the drive that Anchorhead so effortlessly gives their music. There is obviously some sort of punk influence creeping in, even if it's merely in their delivery. "Lemon Line" is a perfect example, featuring a raging performance on what could have potentially been a bland country-pop track. The songs are wonderfully catchy on top of being performed well, another overlooked aspect of the genre that has sunk so many recordings before this. Armed with an arsenal of great songs under one arm and a case of whiskey under the other, Anchorhead is one of the few young alternative country bands floating around the underground that truly deserves more attention from the mainstream. Fans of the genre should hunt this down, while even curious listeners should be able to enjoy the lush and amiable country-rock found here.