Dumptruck

With three critically acclaimed records, it seemed Dumptruck were poised for mass commercial success in the late 1980s. When their contract with Big Time expired, however, a label vs. artist vs. label episode effectively flattened the tire of Seth Tiven and his Dumptruck. Now residing in Austin, Tex., Tiven is back with a new album of songs crafted with the collaborative help of a sharp new band. With the support of indie label Devil in the Woods, the stage may be set for all-out vindication and revival long after Dumptruck's untimely passing. This spirited offering should satisfy both die-hard fans and potential converts who happened to miss out on the brilliance of Dumptruck's creepy, country-infected ballads and noisy, Crazy Horse-style barnburners. Still prominent in the mix is Tiven's unique, endearing voice and characteristically dark, self-observational lyrics.