Texas Platters

Eric Hanke

Singer-songwriters with a rebellious streak never get old, and Eric Hanke's second disc continues his adamant rejection of the trendy. In line with serious writers like Slaid Cleaves and Bruce Robison, the tall Texan's tunes, like the dark and dirty "Burn It Down" and world-weary title cut, uphold his ability to compose in the tradition without resorting to gimmickry. Hanke's earnest breed of roots-rock is a cool breeze on a stifling summer night.