Steve Earle's New E-Squared label has given birth to a very special baby. The V-roys from Knoxville, Tennessee, have produced a stunning first step into country-rock: the word 'classic' can be applied without reserve.

On Just Add Ice, the V-roys have meshed the best of John Fogerty, The Band and Roger Miller with their own unique high school garage vibe. Nothing here is over-produced or fraudulent, this is music shot from the hip and drunk neat from the bottle.

The quartet swing through the entire wheel house of everything great about country and rock'n'roll: you can dance, sing, cry and generally let loose to the entire album. Frontman Scott Miller's energy and inspiration have fused beautifully to articulate immaculately crafted ballads and dirty, crunching rockers.

Around You, Goodnight Loser and Kick Me Around shimmer with heartbreak and perfectly executed vocal hooks. On What She's Found and Wind Down the guitars squeal around tight bends on distorted four-chord frenzies. Pounding Heart and Lie I Believe shift down a gear to gentle harmonies and addictive melodies. Miller's vocals can barroom brawl through a verse or hover soulfully over the dreamy punchline. Just feel the hairs stand up on the back of your neck.

There is something genuine and timeless about The V-roys sound: it is retrospective but utterly contemporary, basic and yet crafted with real sophistication. An excellent debut.

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