Round Up - EP

Round Up is a really cool EP from a shockingly versatile band. Unlike their debut album, their penchant for country music bursts wide open on the six tracks here. With four original numbers and two covers, they actually make a great little country album without a hint of their usual snotty humor and punk rock sound. Actually, they sound a little like Cracker does when they do these same sorts of genre experiments, which is fairly impressive considering how long David Lowery was in the industry before he attempted country music. The best compliment this album deserves is a simple one: you can't tell the difference between the Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard covers and their original compositions. You would think there would be an obvious difference in lyrics or mood, but Speedbuggy USA can write good country music, and should seriously consider a change in direction after this solid EP.