The band's name evokes swing or jump blues, but instead this is a Melbourne-based reflection of American roots music. I've heard a number of Australia and New Zealand bands plying these waters, and I'm always interested to hear what elements come back our way. Storytelling seems to be foremost in that, and these folks are no exception.

Dead Beat Daddios Further Away (self-released)

Easy-rollin' songs, often punctuated by piano or organ, dominate this set. Hugh and Emilie Martin (brother and sister, just so you know) deftly swap vocals, creating different perspectives of the same tale.

The sound is intimate, but with enough space to give each voice and instrument its own place. Kinda like a mid-size club with good acoustics. These are songs that look inward rather than contemplating the great empty in the beyond.

I still can't get over the name of the band. Sorry, but it's true. The songs immediately hit, though, and the music quickly envelopes all sense of the outside world. Masterfully crafted and played with joy. One of the easiest albums to like that I've heard this year.

Jon Worley