Jayco Brothers

Treadmill Records; October 2005

There is some irony in that one of the finest Americana recordings to be encountered recently should hail from Australia. With Asbestos Fibro, the Perth-based Jayco Brothers offer a collection of achingly penned and executed compositions that rise and fall along the dusty byways of roots-infused remembrance. Andrew Powell’s scuffed vocals heave the weight of hope and regret imparted by his tales of longing and lament. The title track is pure alternate country magic, with its gruff-yet-sweet regretful lyrics that float over a seductive bed of guitar and banjo. When Natalie D-Napoleon joins Powell on “Even the Sweet Things Die,” the ensemble’s trademark edge is slightly mellowed, but “Up to 10” reinstates the band’s harder sound with a tale of harsh reality. Asbestos Fibro shimmers in a delightful melancholic beauty. And it does so with grace and flare.