Up Against the Wall

by Cub Koda Madcat & Kane's second album finds them exploring traditional themes but with far more emphasis on original material than on their debut album. Guest appearances from Ann Rabson, slide man Kevin Maul and vocalist Claudia Schmidt pepper up certain tracks, but in the main it's Peter and Shari's show here, and the spotlight stays on their estimable talents. Kane is every bit the equal of a Rory Block, both vocally and instrumentally, while Ruth's harmonica tone is wide and pervasive throughout and sometimes other worldly sounding on certain tracks. Standout tracks include "Rosalie," "Did You Save Me a Taste?," "You Used to Call Me Mama," "Darkness" and a country-styled version of Hop Wilson's "Black Cat Bone."