Southeast Engine: Canaanville EP

Bummed that Conor Oberst has parted ways with the Mystic Valley Band? Love Deer Tick’s John McCauley’s country side? Hell — d’ya miss Blanche? Ohio’s Southeast Engine have you covered on their charming four-song EP, Canaanville (recorded at the same time as ‘11’s Canary). On this follow-up to 2011’s Canary, Southeast Engine invoke the abovementioned acts in addition to No Depression touchstones like the Band and Crazy Horse, on the folky opener “Old Oak Tree”, get smoky (as in fire and brimstone) on “Great Awakening”, throw a hootenanny on the title track and close with the harrowing “C&O Railroad”, where the narrator realizes that the new train line will drain his town of people and resources. Unpretentious and ragged but right, Canaanville is solid (albeit entirely too brief – please send a new full-length soon, guys) slab of dependable country rock.