Nikki Lane

All or Nothin’ (New West)

Walk of Shame, Nikki Lane’s 2011 debut LP, pleased Nashville with its throwback rockabilly cut with a modern, biting sensibility. The South Carolina native’s sophomore platter and first for New West digs even deeper. Dan Auerbach adds his star-making touch behind the helm while letting Lane’s twang lead the way, opener “Right Time” stomping against increasingly wicked steel guitar and “Good Man” lazily swelling with regret and ennui. Lane’s brashness and vintage pull evokes Nancy Sinatra and Dusty Springfield, both in slower ballads like the stellar “You Can’t Talk to Me Like That,” psychedelic country surf of “Seein’ Double,” and slinky blues “All or Nothin’.” Auerbach duets on “Love’s on Fire,” but Spiritualized’s J. Spaceman co-write of sleepy barroom waltz “Out of My Mind” might be the most surprising collaboration. Reverbing Sixties soak “Want My Heart Back” haunts at closing. (2pm, Austin Ventures stage)

***.5

This article appears in October 3 • 2014.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.