Illinois Entertainer

There's something to be said about the basics: solid guitars, a steady rhythm section, and an evocative voice. The Dirtmen put it all together on this four-song demo, offering their understated, well-executed brand of guitar pop. While the musical backdrops here are all even-tempoed, rootsy rockers, it's John Kelly's stellar pipes that bring these songs to life. Sort of a combination of John Mellencamp and Mark Knopfler, Kelly's warm voice brings a spark to the yearning "Something In This World," and adds the appropriate ragged edge to the slightly haunted "Suzanne." The Dirtmen aren't reinventing the form by any means, but their version makes for good listenin'.

-Michael C. Harris