CLYNE, ROGER & PEACEMAKERS

If you saw the title Honky Tonk Union but had never heard anything by Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, you might assume that the band was country-oriented. It would certainly be a logical assumption. But for the most part, this CD isn't country -- not honky tonk, not pop-country, not alternative country or No Depression. The primary focus of Honky Tonk Union is Americana and roots rock -- sort of John Cougar Mellencamp meets Bruce Springsteen meets Tom Petty, but with more of a southwestern flavor. If those singer/songwriters had formed a band in Arizona, California, Nevada, or New Mexico in the '70s, perhaps it would sound something like Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers. Employing an abundance of down-home, small-town, middle-America imagery, these guys are stereotypically earthy in their approach to Americana and roots rock -- and on twangy offerings like "West Texas Moon" and "City Girls," they do it without a lot of irony. Honky Tonk Union generally comes across as sincere rather than ironic or clever -- if singer/songwriter Clyne and his Tempe, AZ-based Peacemakers (who include former Gin Blossoms guitarist Scott Johnson) end up sounding like a caricature of Americana/roots rock, it isn't because they are trying to lampoon that type of music. Because Honky Tonk Union is as stereotypical as it is, the CD is unlikely to win over anyone who isn't already a loyal, unwavering Americana/roots rock enthusiast. Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers are totally unapologetic about what they do, and for those who hold this type of rock & roll in high regard, that is good news. ~ Alex Henderson, AMG

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