By Russell Barker

Valley Of Cats is the debut album from Pontiak, a trio of brothers from Baltimore who were brought up in rural Virginia.

There's certainly an earthy feel to this album, it's that wonderful gravely country blues that is becoming more prevalent nowadays. You'll find touchstones for this collection by way of Tindersticks, Lambchop and Gallon Drunk. It's delightful stuff that has that rare feature nowadays of functioning better as an album than as separate parts.

So you can choose from the blues boogie of 'How Tall Are You?', the laid back yet vehement 'Hydrogen Fires' or the banjo led amiable meanderings of 'They Are Supreme'. However you may prefer slow stomping beast that is 'Salt Flats' or 'Made For The Luxury' a sombre, whispered piece for drums and piano alone.

Other than that there are plenty of groove led, bluesy, grungy numbers such as the title track to keep you happy. One for the purists, who like an album to work as such.