Cole Deggs and the Lonesome - Cole Deggs & The Lonesome

Unlike their macho cohorts on the mainstream country scene, Cole Deggs & The Lonesome aren't out to impress with bravado or saccharine sentimentality. Leaving shallow humor and flashy ballads to the CMA frontmen, their self-titled debut release is surprisingly sincere: an understated collection of down-to-earth songs rooted in old-school country melodies and a world-weary feel.

Reflecting on lost love and regret with solid steel guitar lines, the band ground each song with heartfelt lyricism, and keep the arrangements loose and natural. Out of Alabama, shot through with decisive drums and strains of harmonica, before Huggin' This Blacktop slows the pace with softer chords, Deggs' vocals plaintive and rugged.

I Haven't Stopped Hurtin' Yet blends a sweetly infectious riff with thick bluegrass-style harmonies without overproduction or indulgence.

• Girl Next Door
• I Got More
• Out of Alabama
• Twelve Ounces Deep
• One That Got Away
• Huggin' This Blacktop
• Makin' Nothing out of Something
• Do You Ever Think About Me
• Everybody's Beautiful to Someone
• Girl Like You
• I Haven't Stopped Hurtin'