"If David Lynch had directed O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Nathan's music [would have been] the soundtrack." So said a Canadian DJ with a colourful turn of phrase quoted on the home page of this Winnipeg band's impressive second album, a smart, witty, absorbing and tuneful collection of country songs and folky waltzs, all imbued with an engaging sense of friendly backwoods weirdness. Prime responsibility for these minor gems rests with singer-songwriter Keri McTighe, with fellow singer Shelley Marshall contributing two tracks, both strong in their own right. The rest of the band (four pictured but five credited) plus an assortment of guests add greatly to producer John Switzer's jauntily adventurous settings, which surprise and delight with their use of steel guitar, brass and banjo. www.nathanmusic.ca

Joe Breen
www.ireland.com