The Claymores

The Claymores

At first, The Claymores' debut comes across like the progeny of Uncle Tupelo. After several listens, the same. Not unlike Son Volt or Wilco, but with more drinking references. Melodic and foot tappin', but not too deep. The local trio of drummer Sean Okeefe, Gregg Yows on vocals and guitar, and Mike McAnally on bass and vocals composed all 12 tracks on this 40-minute, eponymous album. Opener "Whitefish" is the product of a Son Volt/ early R.E.M. collaboration, but one at a rural high school dance. "Letty's Song" hits like vintage Gear Daddies, and when McAnally replaces take lead vocal chores on "Pitch," he summons the BoDeans from a decade ago. The ubiquitous Jim Stringer guests guitar on "Keen On You" and the fatalistic/realistic "That'll Never Be." Musically, one could hear the Damnations delivering "The Cabin," but with more forceful singing. Overall, nothing weak or offensively bad, yet not enough melodies that turn into memories. Not enough chances taken sonically or lyrically to keep things interesting. Not enough of the magic that imbues "Roll On" with near Band-like acoustic perfection.