Soledad brothers: Voice Of Treason

By GRAHAM REID

(Herald rating: * * *)

The earlier live album by the marvellously named singer-guitarist Johnny Walker and drummer Ben Swank (with a ring-in saxophonist) alerted many to another ragged rock'n'roll duo from the White Stripes' hometown of Detroit. Walker says he was once invited to join White Stripes but they don't need him and - on the evidence of more strutting, bragging and often indolently and insolently delivered rock - he doesn't need them either.

The Soledad Brothers keep it simple (while making a big early-Stones/John Lee Hooker noise) and drag in bass, organ and piano when it suits. At core it's never much more than garageband rock-blues that polishes up old cliches ("Well I woke up this morning and fell down on my knees ... cue harmonica solo) but does it with smarts. The sure-footed sense of the early 60s style it is unearthing, right down to their silly overhaul of Skip James' I'm So Glad, is designed to raise the ire of purists.

Elsewhere Walker sneers and snarls (Ain't It Funny sounds like a new classic blues), and a good time is guaranteed.

There were previous hints they might tour. That would be the clincher.

Label: Smash