VARIOUS ARTISTS

*****

What's Kickin' Vol 3

(STOVEPONY)

The proprietors of East London Americana club have showed their knack at picking a winner, with the likes of Pete Molinari and next-big-things Attic Lights cropping up on their previous What's Kickin' compilations. There are no obvious names this time around (save a guest appearance from the legendary BJ Cole), but there's no doubting the sheer quality of talent contained herein.

North Wales' Loving Cup open this particular rodeo with some Faces/Crowes-style roots rock from their forthcoming album, but most of the tracks here are exclusives, including offerings from hot new bluegrass supergroup Southern Tenant Folk Union, Southend powerpoppers Cusack and gypsy punk legends Walking Wounded, whose Waterboys-ish 'Angels At Dawn' is one of the stand-outs here.

The goodtime quotient is high, with a rambunctious 'Jackson' from Some Dogs, The Shivers' Stonesy 'Sweet Lil' Cheat' and a garagey 'Dixiefied' courtesy of the Fabulous Penetrators. But this makes the gentler pop of Green Peppers, the acoustic balladry of Ryan O'Reilly and the glorious harmonies of Hillbilly And The Bonfire shine all the brighter, like the stars they deserve to be. Roll on Vol 4.