Howe Gelb’s Giant Sand have been a cornerstone of Americana for the last twenty-five years. Their ever changing line-up reading like a who’s who of the alternative underbelly of America, so alongside some re-issues and flag waving comes their latest studio album Blurry Blue Mountain.

The fourteen tracks that make up the record avoid fucking with the tried and tested formula and offer a master class in alt.country. His unmistakable voice rasping the opening lines to ‘Fields Of Green’ offers reassurance that their adherence to doing what works doesn’t mean they are treading water. The songwriting is as fresh and alive as at any point in their illustrious career. Whether he’s the barroom crooner in ‘Time Flies’, or the swaggering rocker in ‘Thin Line Man’ Gelb delivers the goods.

Press your eyes shut and you’ll be transported to desolate motels or never ending highways winding through the desert. Whilst their notoriety might not run as deep as their influence or legacy those aware of the charms of Giant Sand hold them very dear and will find plenty to love here. This is also a good starting point for newcomers, who after hearing this may well be inspired to further investigate their back catalogue.

If you fancy a break from this year’s seemingly never ending assault of new genres like “Chillwave” & “Witch House”, Blurry Blue Mountain offers a grounded and solid body of work by a craftsman. Sometimes you need to move your focus away from the horizon and onto your own doorstep to realise what’s important.