Buster Jiggs,
Buster Jiggs

Label: (self-released)
Year: 2005

(4 out of 5)

Buster Jiggs has found much love across the state and around the world thanks to XM Radio. This five-piece band from tiny Hondo found itself perched near the top of XM's X Country chart shortly after releasing its self-titled CD in January. Such whirlwind success may be surprising for a relatively green band, but it makes sense once you hear the album. Buster Jiggs is a solid collection of country/rock tunes.

The first single, "Unaware," is a groovy screw-you song with wonderfully jangly electric guitar from Brett Kastner and poetically-shaped lyrics from Kristin and Scott Muennink. The second single, "Sanctity," is a slower heartbreak number built around the pedal steel of Reckless Kelly's David Abeyta, who co-produced Buster Jiggs with bandmate Cody Braun.

The group's real forte is aw-shucks songs about small-town life and values, like the provincial wisdom of "Duct Tape," the simplicity of "Red Guitar," and the good ol' boy grin that permeates "Country Boy."

Considering they added lead vocalist Will Dodson just a few months before recording the album, Buster Jiggs managed to coalesce and build a unified sound in short order. There's not a weak cut on the album.

While Dodson carries the weight on vocals, the band might take better advantage of Kristin Muennink's voice. She has a chance to shine on "This Town," and she provides a good bolster for Dodson's somewhat reedy timbre.

All things considered, the future is bright for Buster Jiggs. They just might wind up the biggest thing to emerge from Hondo since…well…maybe ever.

Buy: Lone Star Music

April 30, 2005