The 2006 release from West Virginia`s Rust Kings emphasizes the band`s acoustic playing and three-part harmonies. Jeanne Hoffman, who joined the band in 2003, added a soft counter balance to Allen Sizemore`s hearty vocals. The band`s move to a mountain sound, dropping the drums and `roots-rock` of their last release, suits this lineup of music veterans. Recorded in a living room, around a couple of mics, playing off of each other`s energy with limited overdubs, Hotel West Virginia captures the feeling of a warm summer night out on the porch, picking with family and friends. -- Jeff Weiss, Miles of Music (Dren)
