"With the self-released album Through Side One, the Linemen have raised the bar for the St. Louis country scene -- and they`ve done so without sinking into predictable punk attitude, all-too-familiar rockabilly fashions or the winking, hiccupping twang-core that plays well in south-city dives but is as far from the emotional core of country as the Wichita lineman is from home. [Kevin] Butterfield`s warm, supple tenor -- with a fine high register, like a young Don Gibson or a less-uptight George Strait -- caresses original songs of regret, towns that barely exist, losses without second chances and the comforting smell of smoke and whiskey. . . Whatever their inspiration, the Linemen have found a way to make the classic forms and style of country music resonate emotionally, even seriously, which is enough to distinguish them from an overcrowded roots scene." -- Roy Kasten, River Front Times (Self Released)
