MUSIC REVIEW OF THE DAY: THE SKYLARKS - ON THE BACK OF THE NEW

L.A. veterans The Skylarks have honed their sound over the course of four albums and lineup changes, moving from more of a singer-songwriter project for original member Sam Mellon to the current Americana focus, more of a band approach. With harmonies and occasional lead vocals from Amy Luftig-Viste, there's a solid guy-gal approach right across the album, which helps it stand out from the majority of roots-rock releases. They're also not afraid to have a trumpet do solos on a couple of tracks, trading off with guitar heroics and driving rhythms.

Lyrics still play a big part for the band, especially in helping set the mood of the songs. On The Back Of The New feels unsettled and mysterious, claustrophobic guitar and synth over lines such as "Laughing with a toxic grin," before a dreamy chorus. No Surrender has a Byrds psychedelic feel with that jazz trumpet back.  Songs that start as small life dramas blossom into twangy West Coast productions. In Centipede feels like the band X if they moved out to Joshua Tree. The Skylarks are one of the those bands you love to brag about to like-minded friends.