Kettles/Eno: ‘The Jake Leg Chronicles’
The duo manages to create something interesting, even though the sound is loaded with familiar signifiers.
As former members of the Atlanta based Southern Rock/Americana-influenced band Liberty Jones, both Steed Kettles and Jeff Eno know their way around a good song. Their complementary interests — Kettles is a country aficionado, and Eno tends to gravitate toward a more pop/rock thing — combine into a pleasant and catchy entity.
On The Jake Leg Chronicles, the duo manages to create something interesting, even though the sound is loaded with familiar signifiers. The rocking twang guitar on “Poor White Trash” activates the Skynyrd synapses, “American Fool” has a very recognizable .38 Special feel, and Kettles’ story songs such as “Blood Brothers,” are reminiscent of more Texas songwriters than you can name. When writers try to deliver a message, it is often difficult to express universal truths in a unique manner, and in a few cases here the clichés are a little heavy handed. But the underlying sincerity is real, and Kettles works hard with his words.
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Musically, the album is all Southern, with particularly powerful lead guitar work supplied by Jim Lavender, known for his superlative work in the popular Cigar Store Indians. Lavender is pretty much capable of anything, and his ability to add just the right nuance helps project the material in a positive light. His gentle touch on “Sticks And Stones” is a perfect example of knowing when “not to play.” The only cover song is a wonderful version of Gram Parsons’ “A Song For You,” as Eno’s vocals expertly capture the deep emotions of the tune, and pay respectful homage to Georgia’s long gone native son.
In an era when contemporary country music is watered down and artificially manufactured to appeal to the lowest common denominator, it is refreshing to hear artists who write their own material, and maintain a sense of personal integrity in their work. The Jake Leg Chronicles may not fit into today’s radio playlist, but it certainly has its place.
3 Stars
Kettles/Eno, Tim Lee 3, and Blasting Cap. play the Star Bar on Sat., Oct. 25. $10. 9 p.m. 437 Moreland Ave. 404-681-9018. www.starbar.net.