Ryan Bingham Proves He's the Bob Dylan of the Southwest

Ryan Bingham, born in New Mexico and raised in West Texas, made a splash in the world of Americana music with his 2007 debut Mescalito and hit "Bread & Water." His sophomore album with his band The Dead Horses, Roadhouse Sun, proves to be more introspective while keeping with the raw blues and folk-rock that characterized it's predecessor.

"Day Is Done" starts out as a slow, acoustic guitar-driven number but soon morphs into an energetic barnburner with plenty of slide guitar.

"Dylan's Hard Rain" features a wonderful jangly guitar sound and a lyrical style that tells a progressive story, much like those of the song's namesake. Bingham is clearly influenced by Dylan but this song moves beyond mere tribute, as he exhibits on the rest of the album.

Upbeat with a clacking train track rhythm, "Tell My Mother I Miss Her So," has prominent mandolin. The song is reminiscent of The White Stripes' "Little Ghost" in many respects.

Slow and mournful, "Bluebird" is steel guitar driven. The song is the closest to mainstream country music you'll find on the album. Unfortunately, the music doesn't mesh well with Bingham's smoke and whiskey soaked vocal style.

"Endless Ways" is a full-on electric band rocker. However, it smolders when it should probably burst into flames.

"Hey Hey Hurray" has some interesting, snaking slide guitar work. The methodical, almost robotic drumming provides a good anchor.

Not to be confused with the Doors' song of the same name, "Roadhouse Blues" sounds a lot like "Bread & Water," although with some honky tonk-like piano.

In it's own way, "Wishing Well" is an emotional soul ballad that would do even a classic Stax artist proud. But it is rough around the edges like all of Bingham's music. A memorable lyric is "I've been gone so long, I think the devil lost my name."

While comparisons can be made to Bob Dylan, Steve Earle and maybe even Tom Waits at his earthiest, Ryan Bingham uses the blues, folk and country traditions of the past to forge his own way. With a bright but wonderfully ragged star like Bingham around, it's safe to say the future of Americana music is secure.