It’s worthwhile enough that the Deadstring Brothers come from a front-porch where Keith Richards and Gram Parsons jammed away (and maybe Robbie Robertson popped by), but the fact of the matter is that Starving Winter Report is so genuine that we’re not listening to a tribute as much as the efforts of a band "keepin’ the flame alive".

Starving Winter Report is the perfect "rinse" for anyone tired of the bloated orch-pop that currently finds favour in indie circles (yeah, I’m obsessed with putting down the current state of affairs) and stands pretty darn tall. The obvious reference point is Exile-era Stones and that ain’t a bad place to start - but The Deadstring Brothers take leaps from there into country territory and other roots-based sounds while maintaining a healthy rock and roll swagger. This isn’t meant to be appreciated in an ironic way - such as with, blah, The Darkness - but as a reminder of just how good this music can be.

The opening good-time "Sacred Heart" features everything good about the band - cool melodies, superior vocal support from back-up vocalist/percussionist Masha Marjieh, a band that sounds incredibly "together", and strong songwriting from Kurt Marschke. From there, "Toe The Line" keeps the good times coming with it’s hip-swaying vibe, and furthers the assertion that Marschke and Marjieh are meant to share a microphone.

Appreciating country’s place in rock and roll, The Deadstring Brothers hit a high with "Moonlight Only Knows" with its dobro, and tasteful guest fiddle from David Mosher. That’s just one example of the band’s versatility here. Ross Westerbur’s keys on "Til the Bleeding Stops" add the perfect touch, complementing Marschke’s guitar. And frankly the rhythm section of drummer E. Travis Harrett and bassist Philip Karich are the rock solid support that every rock and roll band hopes to have - driving a great cover of The Band’s "Get Up Jake" (some damn fine piano here as well).

While I’m indeed old enough to not consider the band’s sound to be "retro", Starving Winter Report’s greatest strength is it’s whole-hearted love for the music that inspired the band in the first place. It’s where they "live". Drop by.