The Modern Eldorados (Self-released, 2001)

The Mobile, Ala.-based Modern Eldorados have been a working band for a number of years and have now released this four-song EP as a way station enroute to producing a full-length CD. The band's intent is a country-and-western sound that highlights the singing of Tyron "Gretsch" Lyles, whose vocals hearken back to the expressive crooning style of '50's-era honky-tonk and add a touch of Orbison.

And on three original tunes (all penned by Lyles and drummer Chris Reid) and a cover of an old David Houston hit, "One If For Her, Two If For Me," they do a pretty fine job of hitting that mark.

While a bit more variation in pace would have been nice (the midtempo shuffle predominates here), and the playing is slightly stiff in places, on the whole the songs dangle the possibility that this band will turn out to be a force to be reckoned with. (E-Mail: heelgrinder@ureach.com)