Title: Rocking Horse to Mars Artist: Kim Cheshire Label: Laughing Outlaw File Under: Outback country RIYL: Steve Earle, Kasey Chambers What does one call the revival of Australian roots/folk/bush music? Australiakarna sounds like a horse jumping event without the Vegemite, and alternative country Oz Style doesn’t quite match it either. It’s also difficult because traditionally Australian country music has stood outside the mainstream pop/rock industry and its influences have been shaped by American sounds as much as it’s been shaped by Australian bush music. Irrespective of definition, Kim Cheshire has managed to craft an album that references most of these genres, and yet retains a certain Australian-ness that gives Rocking Horse an authentic and enjoyable feel. Cheshire, once the lead singer in country band The Wheel, has gathered an impressive role call of fellow musicians to help him out on his first solo effort. Kasey Chambers, perhaps the most visible and popular of Australia’s alt.country artists, shares vocal duties on “Ship of Fools”, turning the Dead’s classic into a country ramble with sweet harmonies, whilst 60s star Shanley Del turns up on the melancholic “Gone but Not Forgotten”. Cheshire’s skill shines in his lyrics, “Girl you look like trouble to me/please give your confidence my sympathy” being just one of the many couplets that stand out. He also takes on the bluegrass/hillbilly genre, as well as more the traditional and relaxed country styles heard in Nashville. If at times it can seem somewhat cliched or hokey, Cheshire makes up for it with his sincerity and passion. Rocking Horse to Mars is the type of album you listen to on a Sunday afternoon, and sometimes that’s all you need.