Soul Cookin'

UK band Ghost Train Porters combine classic western-inspired story-telling and memorable melodies with a playful, accomplished sound that draws on everything from folk to funk. A product of the rootsy rural pub music scene in their native East Anglia, they have the class and confidence to engage any audience with their instantly-hummable tunes - be it at a village birthday bash or in the cool clubs of Camden Town. Gravel-voiced, tongue-twisting singer Tom Parkes brings to life a cast of straight-shootin', hard-drinkin' bank-robbin' characters, as he puts a satirical British spin on his beloved American bluegrass and country music. And guitarist Paul Marshall, an award-winning composer in his own right, adds lightning-fingered riffs and subtle touches that suggest a moody Tarentino film score. With drummer Howard Abramson and bassman Peter Corp's hypnotic rhythm anchoring the sound, the Porters won national attention when their ode to whisky-smuggling, Moose Point, Maine, was aired by BBC Radio 2 DJ Steve Lamacq. They even ended up in a local US newspaper when it transpired Moose Point - a name Tom thought he'd invented - was a real Maine location. Their debut album is built on the band's down-home, danceable sound, with added layers of perfectly-crafted guitar, sweet vocal harmonies, brass and harmonica. It covers an impressive range, from epic rock anthem Back Home to lilting banjo tune Diamond, Missouri. REVIEWS It sort of follows on from people like Mumford & Sons, but takes it off in a different direction; less folky and more American-sounding. I think it sounds very atmospheric, especially 'Smoking Kills', although I think my favourite track is 'Don't Get Mad'. STEVE LAMACQ 'A blend of hillbilly blues, alt. Folk and rockabilly' .

TIME OUT 'Anyone who can write a song about a Dyson gets my vote! I'm very houseproud.' STEPHANIE O'BRIEN, THE PUPPINI SISTERS Here's a band to get carried away by ' .

ESSEX COUNTY STANDARD There is a touch of Ennio Morricone's hauntingly magical soundtracks to such spaghetti westerns as the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. ' COLCHESTER GAZETTE 'Darkly humorous Americana' THE GRAPEVINE...... .