Full Head of Steam

Diverse American ethnic and regional influences simmer in Roosevelt Dime’s musical stew, producing heady flavors both pleasing and unique. While this Brooklyn-based combo’s third album, Full Head of Steam, has some stylistic similarities to the folk revivalism of Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers, the reach of these tracks is wider and deeper. Tunes like “I Want Mo!” and “Natchl Culmination” sparkle with New Orleans vibes, underscored by Andrew Green’s ringing banjo and Seth Paris’ sweetly squawking saxophone. Body-grabbing, lustily sung covers of “St. James Infirmary” and “Cocaine Habit Blues” take an especially intoxicating stroll down Bourbon Street. Rather than remain in one area and locale, though, the band veer into Dust Bowl folk on “Oh to Be,” embrace R&B with a brassy edge on “Now There’s You,” and toss off a bittersweet country ballad in tandem with singer Molly Venter on “Down on Your Luck.” The rolling rhythm and old-timey lyrics of “Calvary” recall the early work of The Band. Fans of imaginative roots music will find this album a tasty, spirit-raising offering.