Horsethief

It's hard to imagine that until 1893, regular Coloradans could gather in a public square, spread out a picnic lunch and actually watch condemned outlaws swing. Frontier justice, partner, garglin' on the end of a rope. Yet for the four modern-day members of Horsethief, this self-titled five-song EP serves less as a throwback to gallows days than a harbinger of things to come. In a perfect world, Muscle Shoals would visit Time Capsule Studios religiously. But instead of a "swamp look," Horsethief opts for a bar-band aesthetic, equal parts tough-guy standard and playful, shit-kicker chic. In fact, lyricist Dave Garner almost gives his very feline companion three steps before threatening to bag it in a pillow case and toss it over the nearest bridge: "Start doing what you're told/Stop bringing birds and squirrels around my happy home/Or else you'll find them in your bowl" (from "Gunny Sack"). While hardly meriting a Wanted Dead or Alive poster, the tune accompanies a dragster anthem in honor of Link Wray ("Ray's Link") and a surf-flavored Western that proves to be the disc's most engaging cut, "Right Out of the Shoot." Where's Bat Masterson when you need him? (www.horsethiefmusic.com)