Menace

Brimming with a rockabilly-influenced brand of roots-meets-party rock, this group led by Mike D. sounds like it's been raised on a helping of Social Distortion, Steve Earle, and Chris Isaak, particularly on the lovely toe-tapping opener, "Gone." The slower ballad "Thousand to One" has enough Southern charm to recall the early Rolling Stones or the Black Crowes circa "Sister Luck." The midtempo "A Good Day to Be a Bad Husband" is a strolling, ambling affair that resembles a ragged Soul Asylum. The melodic "Pauline" is another nugget presented as Mike D. takes his time addressing the late girl of his dreams through his whiskey-soaked pipes. The truly great tune here, though, is the winding rock-meets-country gem entitled "Walkin'." Resembling Jagger circa "Wild Horses," Mike D. gives a great performance as a harmonica and backing vocals add a comforting touch. The title track forces the issue somewhat, as it's a raucous Zeppelin-esque Southern-fried blues-rocker. "Rachel Corrie" has a military backbeat while recalling a rowdier version of Neil Young's "Heart of Gold." The lovely, humorous, yet extremely crude "Westboro Baptist Church" has a laid-back relaxing alt-country flavor. The finale is "Dust and Sun," a somber narrative that talks about the September 11 terrorist attacks and the aftermath from both sides.