Looking at the cover art of this album, pencil-slim, black-haired Patricia Vonne looks as feisty as the music she performs. And if you like Tex-Mex laced with old-fashioned guitar-riffing rock, then you are going to love this album…

The opening track, Joe’s Gone Ridin’ reminds me of an upbeat Cowboy Junkies song. It swaggers along with guitar riffs accompanying the excellent Vonne vocal from beginning to end. Add a strong melody, superb production and you have one foot-tapping, mood-cooking song, and a fabulous introduction to this storming talent. Next track Texas Burning boasts a slower, darker vibe with diving guitar riffs and a glorious pleading, expressive vocal that travels the scale with unerring ease. By now I’m more than interested. Then things get begin to get moody with the beautiful Flamenco acoustic sound of La Gitana De Triana sung in Spanish. The song is about a girl running away from home to become a Gypsy dancer, and Vonne’s aim of capturing the passion of the girl is faithfully captured here. Rebel Bride is next and is described by Vonne as, “Every bride needs a righteous wedding song.” It’s a rollercoaster of a track with more strafing riffs and the most mocking of vocals. If you’re getting married, I dare you…

This is a wonderful, exuberant, diversely paced album, and just the ticket for warming up those freezing nights we’ve been experiencing recently. Vonne has written and co-written all the tracks here, and has performed them with brutal efficiency. The album is also beautifully produced, giving both the fantastic instrumentals and vocals acres of space to breath. This is one record that needs to be spun with the volume way, way up, while dancing shoes wouldn’t go amiss. Recommended? Hell yes! Can’t wait to see this combo perform live…

4/5