by Anthony Clarke

Her most recent album, Sweet Somethin Steady, was produced by the legendary Gurf Morlix. A solid and fully-realised album, the disc kicks off hard with the intense smoky Eight More Days, a strikingly tinny drumbeat and heart-wrenching lyrics, giving it a sense of longin and dogged determination. Creating what has been described as country bourbon bluegrass soul music, she ambles effortlessly from moody balladry to drowsy bluegrass and roadhouse raunch throughout the rest of the disc, but it is Mayes' darker songwriting inclinations that are most engaging.

Some of the songs call to mind the outlaw years of country when Johnny Cash and company were spinning their darkly honest yarns. Whatever the flavour, though,he infectious melodies will stick in your ear and warm you down to your belly like a shot of something sweet but strong. And holy smokes she's got a fine way with that guitar.