The Zapruder Sequence take their name from the infamous amateur footage shot in their hometown of Dallas on November 22nd, 1963. It might be tempting, for anyone who didn't know better, to assume that The Zapruder Sequence might be a troupe of wilfully provocative punk rockers in the vein of, well, the Dead Kennedys. This would be about as big a mistake as one could make. The Zapruder Sequence are, rather, a soulful and thoughtful alt-country act, nonetheless engaging for their orthodoxy.

The best moments of Pretty Girl Charm Lies — and it contains many — are those at which the inspirations fuelling The Zapruder Sequence and songwriter Jordan Munn — Slobberbone, Wilco, the Replacements, (especially) the Old 97s — are at their least imposing. "Cougar" is a terrifically deranged howl of anguish, underpinned by furious guitars and the kind of clattering drums which are something of a Zapruder Sequence feature (see also the pummelling fills on "Marianne" and "Shots"). "My Reply," the most straightforward country tune here, is an appealingly maudlin lament abetted by the judicious application of pedal steel. Mason Jar" hints that the Zapruder Sequence should try backing their ambition more heavily: it's an exquisitely… read more »