Tarantuela

Maybe it's because Ronnie Hawkins still lives near Peterborough, ON, but there has to be some explanation as to why there's recently been a slew of young bands from there that unabashedly carry on the lessons he once taught his first Canadian disciples, who became the Band. Tarantuela are the latest to emerge from this scene and the most compelling in their devotion to recreate the Band's all-too-brief glory days. The quintet's focal point is singer/guitarist Jay Swinnerton, whose soulful howl is remarkably Richard Manuel-esque. But it's only one component of Tarantuela's overall dexterity, best displayed on the rollicking "In the Middle of the Street," the bluesy stomp of "Make A Fool" and breezy country excursion "Practice What You Preach." There is chemistry within this group, something nicely accentuated by producer James McKenty of the Spades, another fine Peterborough outfit. As the Band proved, most of the time chemistry is all you need, but Tarantuela have a great deal more.