By David J. Klug

The Walkabouts are one of America's most obscure bands stateside, considering they've releases almost two dozen records including domestic and import LPs, CDs, and EPs, and those by the duo Chris and Carla (Walkabouts' lead vocalists and guitarists Chris Eckman and Carla Torgerson). Formed in 1984 in Seattle, after a few small indie label releases the band got a break in 1989 from Sub Pop, who released the first of many records on that label. Picked up by Sup Pop UK (now Glitterhouse Germany) in 1993, the band eventually found its way to Virgin Records in Europe. Before Trail Of Stars, the band's previous two records, Devil's Road and Nighttown, sold 50,000 copies each abroad on Virgin.

The Walkabouts are one of the original, and regarded as one of the best, bands that stem from the 1980s resurgence of country rock (and what's now generally termed "alternative country"). But Trail Of Stars follows the lead of Nighttown, which was a sweeping departure from country stylings, and is mostly elegant pop music laced with Americana themes. Carla's soprano, backed by cello and violin, gives beauty to "Desert Skies," while piano and loops grace her on "Gold." Chris takes lead on two of the records' strongest cuts, "Crime Story," and "On The Day." In all, the pair trade off vocal leads and support each other well on eleven remarkable songs. With key band members Glenn Slater, Terri Moeller and Fred Chalenor, Trail Of Stars was produced by Phill Brown (Talk Talk, Kristin Hersh), and includes various session players on pedal steel, viola, trombone, and synthesizers.

Back to Reviews