The Band Perry (Republic Nashville, 2010)

The Band Perry gets its name from the fact that all three of its members are siblings. There's Kimberly Perry, who sings lead, in addition to playing piano and guitar. Her brother Reid Perry is the bassist, while Neil Perry plays drums, mandolin and accordion. The centerpiece song of this five-track EP is the single If I Die Young, which is made all the more striking by the fact that it's also sung by a young lady. Being young is usually no time to contemplate death - leave that to the old folks. Nevertheless, this song includes a few striking lines. When a boy tells this short-lived girl he loves her, she replies, "Whoever thought forever could be severed by the sharp knife of a short life?" Later she states, "What I never did is done." It's the sort of country song that will stop you in your tracks, and that's wonderful news for the genre in general.

Another excellent track is Postcard from Paris, which tells the tale of finding true love, requiring a girl to give up on her phony Mr. Right. "It's like a postcard from Paris/When I've seen the real thing/It's like finding out your diamond is from an old promise ring."

Hip To My Heart is polished country-pop, but is saved by some nice fiddle work, while Quittin' Your is driving rock, with just a touch of twang. All Your Life will hold more appeal for traditional country music fans than either of the first two, especially because of its gentle mandolin and Dobro.

With these mere five songs, it's difficult to tell what direction The Band Perry wants to go - commercial or traditional. So right now, its a coin toss.

Nevertheless, Kimberly Perry is a powerful vocalist, and with this group's advanced ability to write memorable lyrics, The Band Perry won't die young - artistically, at least.