Sean Mencher

Borrowing one's inspiration from an early style is a precarious process: even if the music is successful, it will be described as derivative. Sean Mencher borrows his stylistic guidelines from '50s honky tonk and rockabilly, styles close to one another historically. It's an excellent period of time to return to, and Mencher's combination of fiddle, guitar, and slap-back echo is infectious, fun, and raucous. There are also interesting stylistic diversions as with the Cajun-accordion on "Bayou Beauty" and the jazzy horn work on "Don't Big Shot Me." Mencher's vocals have been surrounded and submerged in prodigious amounts of echo, and while his singing is less than perfect, he injects lots of enthusiasm into these songs. The results, however, will inevitably be compared to original recordings from an earlier era, and it is difficult for Mencher to outdo Hank Williams' version of "Settin' the Woods on Fire" or Tommy Duncan's take (with Bob Wills) on "Right or Wrong" (or Merle Haggard's version). For those unfamiliar with these earlier takes, Sean Mencher offers a solid introduction to a number of classic songs and classic styles; for those already familiar with the fine music from this period, the recording will prove superfluous. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., Rovi