The back porch, stripped-down approach of the Brass Kings on their self-titled debut release is refreshing, comforting and a knee-slappin' good time. Even though it's presented with very minimal instrumentation, it runs over you like a freight train. The speedy folk pickin' of chief Brass Kings songwriter Steve Kaul leads the assault as washtub player Brad Ptacek and percussionist Mikkel Beckman keep the steady simple beats rolling. It's ballsy to release such a raw album when so many enter into the studio to make their grand opus, but the Brass Kings deliver with smart, sardonic songs that speak volumes of truth.

The album's opener, "Muleskinner Blues," sets the foundation for what to expect with most of the album: Up tempo, minor key bluegrass-based songs. "Muleskinner Blues" is a great opening track, but what hooked me was the second tune, "Rural Methlab Rules." Maybe it's because I'm a drug and alcohol counselor, but I definitely appreciated the realistic picture the track painted of meth. I don't think since Springsteen's "Sinaloa Cowboys" have I heard such an effective song about the subject. There is no shortage of creativity on this album and this band. I really dug the Tom Waits-esqe vibe of "Boxman Blues" ("It's good to have a window when you walk, so I cut one in the side of my cardboard box. Drew window curtains with a pen, but I'll think twice before I decorate again"). The Brass Kings definitely brought the goods on their debut release. NH

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