Waco Brothers

This Chicago-based "supergroup" have released seven studio albums over the past 13 years, and while there's no denying their knack for writing catchy and sometimes thought-provoking roots rock, alt.country and punk songs, the energy and humour they convey live have never been totally captured on disc. While not a total success, this album goes a long way to remedying that. Guitarist Jon Langford sings seven songs, guitarist Dean Schlabowske takes the lead on six and mandolinist Tracy Dear steps up for three. The difference in their voices adds depth to the material. So does Marc Durante's steel playing, which seems more prominent here than at shows I've witnessed. You'll sing along to "Too Sweet To Die" and "Do What I Say," kick up your heels to "Fox River" and get a new take on Neil Young's "Revolution Blues" while getting caught up in the performances. But it's disappointing that the group didn't use the CD's full potential and include more music and stage banter to add to the entertaining 53 minutes captured over two nights and included here.