THE LEROI BROTHERS
Kings Of The Catnap (Rounder)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Though the Leroi Brothers have been the definitive Austin act for nearly two decades, they haven't had a stateside album release for nearly half that time. Thankfully that long drought is past, and if you're thirsty for some hard core roadhouse rock, Kings Of The Catnap is the sonic equivalent of a Lone Star longneck at the end of a hot, dusty road trip.

If you're among the uninitiated, the Leroi Bros. are something of an Austin supergroup. Drummer Mike Buck's resume namechecks the Fabulous Thunderbirds and the Texas Tornadoes. Casper Rawls has lent his guitar and voice to the likes of Buck Owens, Dwight Yoakum, Marty Stuart and Albert Lee. Steve Doer, formerly of the Headhunters, contributes another guitar, another voice and most of the songs. Bassist Pat Collins is the rookie in the group, with only ten years as a Leroi under his belt.

Though they've been out of the studio, they've stayed on the road, and along the way they've picked up a pretty impressive fan club. Among the musicians who signed on for supporting roles on Kings Of The Catnap you'll find the Band's Garth Hudson, the Faces Ian McLagan, Fabulous T-Bird Jimmie Vaughan, Asleep At The Wheel's Cindy Cashdollar and none other than Mr. Buck Owens himself. Pretty cool, huh?

Damn straight it's cool. And hot. This is one terrific comeback from a band that's never really been away.

Track List:

Scratchin' On Down The Line * Route 88 * The Flake * Dark Horse * Someday * She's Got Everything * Devil Shake Woman * On The Corner * The First Time * One More Last Chance * Down The Road * Fly Away Bad Dream * Runnin' Ghost

© 2000 - Shaun Dale