Dusty Ravens – Stories of Love and Death

The beauty of Dusty Ravens’ debut album Stories of Love and Death is hearing musicians play the music they love.

The band members report a shared fascination with Mexico and have created a blend of folk, country and Mexican Mariachi. Flamenco guitars and French horns meet acoustic guitars, resulting in passionate, original songs. Maggie Raven’s ethereal vocals complement Andy Meehan’s Nick Cave-like drone, making highlights of radio-friendly tracks Send My Heart and Before You Go.

The eccentricity of Mexicano and mellow folk music from a Sydney band is intriguing and suggests Dusty Ravens might be onto the next big thing just by being themselves. (LH)

*** /5

BY LAURIE HACKNEY