Jet Black and Jealous

At first blush this Texas foursome might be classified as a well-scrubbed harmony combo a la Rascal Flatts. But the group displays enough guitar abrasiveness and rhythmic heft to separate them from the pack. Judging by this album, co-leaders Mike Eli and James Young have been listening to classic rock and Americana acts as well as current country hit-makers. “Famous” has the romantic angst of early Springsteen, while the atmospheric jangle of “Radio Waves” recalls REM’s first albums. Those hankering for a taste of Eagles and Poco-style L.A. rock will find traces of it in “When it Rains” and “Enough is Enough.” The lyrics often transcend typical country clichés, with “Guinevere” standing out for its portrait of a music-obsessed young woman. When they want to, Eli Young can rock convincingly, as evidenced on the twang-heavy “Throw and Go” and the swaggering title song. Jet Black & Jealous straddles the line between mainstream and alternative country modes and for the most part the results are impressive.