While the cover is reminiscent of Soviet poster art and the title of the record leads one to expect some sort of Chumbawamba-ish political chest-thumping, this record delivers not messages but coursing thumps. And thank God. A weird cross of hip-hop groove and dobro-drenched honky tonk, Mountain Con are sure to appeal to those on the Beck tip and anyone wondering where country and blues finally remarried. Spot-on call and response, jangly guitars, and fuzz, fuzz, fuzz combine to create a hectic and beautiful stew. This is a wonderful first record. – Rob Ferrier