Josh Allen and the Whisky Brothers

Fantastic. That's about all that needs to be said about Josh Allen's song, and video, "Orpheus." From the solo album by the same name, the Whisky Brother delivers a stunning Texas Hill Country Spin to the classic myth, relating the troubadour life to that of the tragic narrative of the bard and Eurydice. The beauty of Allen's song though, is that it casts the Greek myth in universal terms, and the mythic elements of Orpheus' trip to the underworld become a frame for the songwriters' mind and life. And ratehr than being heavy handed in the parallel, and parable, it tells the story in a simple and direct manner, but with some absolutely gorgeous lines of poetry. The authentic echo of Townes Van Zandt lingers all over Allen's work, and that's high praise indeed. - Austin Sound

Going solo from his hellbent outfit the Whisky Brothers, local songwriter Josh Allen's debut LP weaves an impressive set through his weary drawl, recalling late-era Townes Van Zandt in sound and spirit. The mythic recasting of the title track and poignant ache of "You and Me" utilize Allen's rugged vocals best, lifted by "Morning on a City Street" and acoustic blues of original "The Ties That Bind." - The Austin Chronicle