It was around twelve months ago that I first came across this Texan five-piece band and I remember the occasion well. It was at Liverpool University’s large Academy venue where the band was main support to Taking Back Sunday. I was struck by the band’s songs, and quite intense, emotional performance. The band is made up of very attractive sisters Stacy, Sherri and Chauntelle DuPree, brother Weston and cousin Garron. COMBINATIONS is the band’s second album and my first opportunity to hear their studio sound.

Something I look for in a band is a level of differentiation in a market where the number of bands has reached saturation level, with so many sounding exactly the same. First track, ‘Many Funerals opens in a medieval folk style then moves into epic, solid rock territory in what is one of the best songs on the album. It’s peppered with excellent vocal harmonies, layered guitars and even the occasional orchestral flourish. Underpinning the song is a strong melody and an intelligent set of lyrics. ‘Invasion’ follows and underlines the band’s signature sound but with even stronger vocal harmonies and melody. ‘Taking Control’and ‘Go Away’ are two further highlights that take on a wandering vibe with strong pop sensibilities. Next tracks ‘I Could Be There For You’ and ‘Come Clean head down a folk route with lead vocals dominating, while instruments take on a more subtle role. ‘Ten Cent Blues’ then changes clothes in adopting a country-pop sound to deliver a song about youthful jealousy. ‘A Sight To Behold’ is the first dark song on the album with its threatening bass-line and more aggressive vocals, which are in sharp contrast to the gentle folk vibe of the next tracks ‘Combinations’ and ‘If You’re Wandering.’ Now, you may well think that the sharply contrasting vibe of rock, country, pop and folk makes for a very diverse album, and you’d be right. However, whichever generic route is taken, the band manages to retain its sonic signature which is really quite clever. The album concludes in the same diverse vein with the country laced ‘Golly Sandra’ and folk-rock of ‘Marvellous Things’ featuring sweet vocals that spin and prance like a merry-go-round.

This is an album that grows in stature with each listen and I suspect will appeal to a wide audience. There’s no shortage of radio-friendly singles and with a tour planned here very soon I expect this album will perform well, and may even provide the UK breakthrough the band deserves.

3.5/5