10 City Run,
Somethin' Else



Label: Universal South Records

(2½ out of 5)

10 City Run must be one of the few bands rooted in experimental theater. The San Antonio-based rockabilly trio evolved out of frontman Hans Frank's one-man play "Lonely Highway," which won best in show at FronteraFest 2002 before launching a nearly two-year run at Austin's Hyde Park Theater. When not working the stage, Frank jammed with local musicians to turn some of his character's on-stage performances into full-fledged songs.

After closing his theatrical run, Frank entered the newly minted 10 City Run in the inaugural Texas Country Star contest — and won, beating out 73 other bands. So Frank (vocals, bass), Johnny Isaacs (guitar), and Lucky McClain (drums) headed into the studio with producer John Beland (Flying Burrito Brothers) to reap their reward: a recording contract with Universal South.

Somethin' Else showcases Frank's raw, muscular vocals and his bandmates' undeniable instrumental chops. The only thing missing is original songwriting. Only 5 of the 11 full-length tracks are originals, and only 2 of those — the sinisterly redemptive "City of Angels (Dumb Ol' Country Boy)" (listen) and mournful "Memories" (listen) — hit the mark. The band fares better with covers, especially their menacing take on Tommy Duncan's "Stay All Night" (listen) and Warren Zevon's "Carmelita" (listen).

There's nothing wrong with a band playing or even recording covers, especially when that band is geared toward dancehalls a la fellow opportunists Two Tons of Steel. But I expected more from a group ostensibly crowned "best new band in Texas."

Reviewed by Patrick Nichols (email)
July 11, 2006