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As the name suggests, Yankee Grey suffer from an identity crisis. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the band debuted with the single "All Things Considered," an odd and jittery rhythm number that attempted to blend urban angst, Texas pride, and Southern rock. Instead, it simply irritated whoever heard it. The rest of this uneven album skitters around the perimeters of '80s rock, but Yankee Grey, with their layered vocals and tight instrumental approach, can't decide if they want to be
Restless Heart,
Boston, or
Exile, with a
Charlie Daniels-like boogie and fiddle flourish. That leaves them with the occasional fetching song ("Another Nine Minutes," a celebration of early-morning amour), and the distinctive vibe that you've heard it all before.
--Alanna Nash