While more mainstream country acts bluster about rednecks and hillbillies like it`s a fashion statement, Kentucky's Chris Knight sings about rural fatalism and alienation with razor-sharp perception and narrative aplomb on his lastes album Enough Rope.

By his own admission, the 'body count's not as high' on his Drifter's Church debut, but the impact is just as powerful as Knight ups both the rock and violence quotient on Jack Blue and Up From the Hill, then boogies convincingly on River Road. Rural Route teems with stoic resignation, and the powerful Dirt hits home with its bitter take on urban sprawl.

Elsewhere, Old Man and William's Son recall early Steve Earle in their well-drawn character studies. The touring life is examined on To Get Back Home, and the title cut is sad, beautiful and strong, a moving coda to perhaps Knight's best work yet. ~ Monsters and Critics

Track Listing :

• Jack Blue
• Cry Lonely
• Saved By Love
• River Road
• Rural Route
• Dirt
• Up From The Hill
• Bridle On A Bull
• Old Man
• William's Son
• Too Close To Home
• To Get Back Home
• Enough Rope