That’s Dusty as in lead singer Dustin Apodaca. And dusty as in their record collections. Containing well-scratched copies from the back catalogues of Hank Williams, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and King Crimson.

More pastiche than parody, Apodaca and partner in grime, co-founder Kyle Divine, adopt the mantle of Jack Black’s Dewey Finn in School of Rock by giving music-history lessons in everything from bluegrass to folk to prog on this, their debut album. A future as Classic Rock cover stars looks assured. As does a place in even the stoniest of hearts.

Apart from bassist Allen Van Orman and Eric Chirco on drums, the River Band are all multi-instrumentalists with the result you’ll hear banjo, harmonica, mandolin, and, yes George Harrison fans, even sitar. From the rousing opening title track through to mournful closer ‘The Ballad of Graff’, this album delights at every twist and turn. Prepare to be swept away.

(4/5)