Red Sammy – Dog Hang Low (self-released)

Straight out of the land of CLUTCH and JOHN WATERS – AKA Baltimore – strides RED SAMMY with Dog Hang Low. Not that the band sounds anything like Clutch or Waters, mind you – rather than play bonecrunching stoner metal or make movies about transgressive personalities, singer/songwriter ADAM TRICE and his crew create finely honed, melancholy roots rock. Trice’s raspy baritone rides herd on quiet, ambling country rock, creating the perfect dusky atmosphere for the brooding tunes. “G*****n Jersey Waffle Diners” throws a modest hissy fit, but tracks like “Songbird,” “Torn Away” and “Lord Don’t Break My Back” keep the mood both tuneful and mournful. If the band had appeared during the heyday of No Depression, it would have deservedly been a minor star. As it stands, Red Sammy certainly deserves attention on the strength of the music found here.

http://redsammy.com