Another Round (Self-released, 2015)

Frontman Jimmy Haddox and his original Mustangs made a bit of name for themselves in the early '80s California punk scene with an EP on MCA, a handful of TV appearances and opening for contemporaries such as The Go-Go's. Now based in Austin, Haddox and his new lineup with the Jimmy and the Mustangs deliver an entertaining mix of rockabilly, blues, swing, country and '50s pop on their latest independent release. The core sound is rockabilly, with harder edged tracks such as "Long Black Train" and "I Won't Cry For You" reminiscent of fellow California roots rockers The Blasters. The opening rocker "Roll the Dice" adds horns to the mix in a fashion similar to the Brian Setzer Orchestra.

One of the highlights is the salute to Gene Vincent "Ready, Set, Go!," which has more of a '50s feel to it, as does the Bo Diddley style blues of "Rock My World." The pop ballads "Love Is Just Pretend" and "Her Love is Gone" which recall some of Jack Scott's moody late '50s work, are among the stronger tracks along with the honky tonk weeper "Bourbon Street."

Haddox's vocals are nicely supported throughout by band mates Tom Coplen (lead guitar, slide guitar), Dylan Cavaliere (upright bass) and John Powell (drums, percussion) with solid contributions from such guests as Stefano Intelisano (piano, farfisa organ), Heather Rae Johnson (fiddle) and Guy Forsyth (harmonica). Produced by Haddox along with Mark Younger-Smith (former guitarist for Billy Idol), "Another Round" is a fun listen.