Sydneysiders doing Mexicali folk music? On the surface that may sound like a genre exercise but Dusty Ravens prove themselves to be dealers in the authentic, mixing up styles and mood just enough to let a subtle Australiana sound filter through the mariachi flavours, as they do on the Richmond Fontaine meets Paul Kelly vibe of ‘Hollywood Hotel’. Calexico is an obvious touchstone, especially in the horns of Maggie Raven and Kim Griffin and the deadpan vocals of Andy Meehan. They’ve mastered the laid-back sway that this kind of music requires and their take on Mexican musical culture is a genuine and accomplished one.

Chris Familton

Stories Of Love And Death is out now on Laughing Outlaw Records