Victorian group The Smith & Western Jury dial into authentic, gothic-tinged and dusty twang on their debut album Hotel Texas. Theirs is a distinctly American border sound, where one could picture Calexico backing Eilen Jewell in a late-night honky tonk. 

Opener ‘Have Mercy’ tumbles and shimmers beautifully, with singer Samantha Lombardi making her mark instantly, her voice possessing just the right amount of heartache and melancholy and a distant echo of a pop sensibility in its DNA. 

The production is top notch, lively and immediate. It pulls you into the songs while still allowing the spotlight to shine on Lombardi as the interlocutor for the songs and stories across the album.  Though at times there’s a noir feel to the music, Lombardi and partner Simon Torcasio (guitar) aren’t afraid to lay down completely unabashed dance-floor gems such as ‘Not Even The Devil’ and ‘Cowboy Blues’. 

This is an album that finds the perfect balance between contemporary Americana and traditional country with its vibrant rhythm section, evocative guitar twang, hooks and authentic atmosphere.