R2 – review

Fronted by crime novelist RJ Ellory, who also writes all the lyrics, co-writes all the tunes and co-produced the album, The Whiskey Poets live up to their name. As befits a man with thirteen published novels and sales in the millions, Ellory can turn a phrase and his words are foreground, which means that you can actually hear them, something too many bands forget. They’re worth hearing too: thoughts on love and loss, as with so many others, but somehow fresh and relevant. The Poets are a fine band that can rock or step back as required and are clearly well-versed in Americana tropes. And, of course, the man can write. An impressive parallel career clearly beckons.
Jeremy Searle – R2