Wes Tucker & the Skillets CD Release Party at Iota, Saturday November 17

MetroMusicScene veteran Wes Tucker brings his sizzling brand of alt-country to Iota this Saturday for the release of his fourth studio album, "Afterlens". He and his band the Skillets have been making sophisticated, blues-tinged country since 2005, building up a devoted following up and down the eastern seaboard. I've had a chance to preview "Afterlens", and it's a great listen.

Wes Tucker writes smart, sometimes sad, country songs in the tradition of Rodney Crowell and Townes van Zandt, although he sounds like Mason Jennings' more soulful brother. "Could Be Worse" is one of those "feel good about feeling bad" songs, a catchy ode to a relationship doomed despite the best intentions. "Rattle Your Chains" is an expansive, wistful piano-rocker with an urgent, plaintive refrain. The album sounds great, whether you're listening on your headphones or blasting it with the windows down on a humid summer day.

Doors open for the "Afterlens" CD release part at 9pm this Saturday, November 17th, and the cover is $12. Check it out, and tell them MMS sent you.