Following up their widely acclaimed debut, Back To The Door, Chicago based The Hoyle Brothers (Jack (Jacque Judy) Hoyle, Steve (Doyle) Hoyle, Brian (Wilke) Hoyle, Josh (Piet) Hoyle, and Lance (Helgeson) Hoyle), return with their sophomore release, One More Draw. Once again they put together an album packed with pure, no holds barred traditional 4/4 shuffles, Bakersfield-style honky tonkers, Western swing, and barroom weepers.

They fire up the twang on the Bakersfield flavored two-steppers, delivering “Dear John” with a clever cyber-twist; “Gotta Get Up,” that finds a guy trying his best to find a reason to forge on despite his broken heart; and the drinkin’-away-the-heartache-blues songs, “Bottom Of This” and “Same Old Saw.” Heartache is on tap with a pair of classic 4/4 shuffles by way of the terrific “In Here,” with it’s barroom setting, and a strong cover of Ray Price’s “Walkin’ Slow (And Thinking ‘Bout Her).

The boys offer up some sterling swing. The instrumental piece, “Hoyle Shuffle” really jumps and showcases some exceptional, red-hot playing. The breezy “Crazy That’s,” finds a guy that always seem to fumble when it comes to love, and on “Friday” they deliver some tasty swing-boogie in a song about just cuttin’ loose and unwinding. A highlight is the smokin’ rockabilly-boogie “All You Got,” with it’s infectiously driving beat and pounding honky tonk piano.

Rounding things out are a few mournful barroom weepers. Crying steel is the backdrop on the outstanding “Oceans Away,” that features Bonnie Bishop on duet vocals, in this aching tale of two lovers drifting apart. Moaning steel accentuates the undiluted heartache that overflows on the mournfully waltzing “Try One More Time.” “Not For Nothing” is a mid-tempo ballad that reflects on the wonder of life and offers hope through wisdom gained.

The Hoyle Brothers continue to display some fine songwriting skills and exceptional vocal and instrumental chops that genuinely reflect that true, traditional honky tonk sound of country music's days gone by. One More Draw is yet another solid effort by a band that proves they fully intend to stick around as the torchbearers of undiluted, traditional country music. Fans that prefer their country music straight up are sure to find plenty to celebrate and enjoy here.      

On The Net: www.hoylebrothers.com

Read TCB’s previous review of The Hoyle Brothers:

http://www.takecountryback.com/reviews/hoylebrosoct04.htm

AnnMarie Harrington TakeCountryBack February 2006