Succumbing to an unfortunate Northerner bias, I somehow expected any band hailing from Lafayette, Louisiana to be Zydeco ravers, or at very least, a Professor Longhair Dixie-jazz-rock-hybrid. Wrong, Yankee-breath ! Hand Bob the Spoon may be based in Cajun country, but this quartet rocks the house my friend, as amply demonstrated on their debut cassette-only release. The tape kicks in fine style with “Cut Your Puppet Strings”; a track powered by a tight, finely tuned rhythm section, that sets the tone for what follows. In fact, it’s the rhythm section, and its ability to shift gears without a hitch that I find so appealing about this nine track collection; the ebb and flow of the power shift, driving songs forward. Vocal duties are handled primarily by April Fallon who can belt out a line with emotional clarity and power, but could use more variety in delivery. Vocal contrast comes in rough and welcome form via guitarist Carl Anthony on a couple of tracks. While hardly the definitive handiwork of a veteran band, “Bungt” is an accomplished first release and portends a fine future. A good listen, no matter what part of the country you call home.

- Jim Wells (Host)