23rd Psalm Cafe

El Diablo have already proved their fine mettle with some luscious, low-key offerings from the Catcy Go Go house of hits. Call this country, folk, Americana or whatever you’re having yourself, but the best thing about this sterling debut is that these songs could hail from any decade. There is no conscious dressing up of songs in neo-country clothes for effect, just eleven barbed beauties of love, loss and heartbreak.

‘My Wild Rose’ is achingly delicate, gently framed with tingling pianos and frail twangs. The familar ‘Bellies with Gold’ and John Kelly favourite ‘The Wandering One’ are both present and correct, alongside mighty contributions like the dark, subtle growls of ‘Hills Of Jerusalem’ – fleshed out with compelling vocals from all three Diablos.

‘Intemperate Man’ comes on with all guns blazing and all riffs buzzing just when you suspect you’re tiring of a lack of dynamics and singularity of tone. After that welcome kick up the backside, two lingering parting shots gracefully close a damn fine session.