Nearly a year after the release of Drive-By Truckers’ magnificent A Blessing And A Curse, Jason Isbell departed (in friendly fashion) from the band in April of this year. In July, he emerged with his first solo effort, Sirens Of The Ditch on New West Records. Recorded at the Fame Studios (graced in the past by the likes of Little Richard and Aretha Franklin) in Alabama, the album is chock-full of bluesy alt-country balanced by catchy guitar riffs. The lyrics are reflective -- tracks like “Try” and “Dress Blues” bleed sincerity and are aptly complemented by southern strains and steel guitars.

Isbell and the 400 Unit will be preceded by a Texas two-step this Tuesday at The Mohawk. Micah P. Hinson from Abilene gets things started while Denton’s Centro-Matic occupy the middle spot. The latter is always a big draw in Austin and has performed on varying stages in the city, ranging from The Parish to The Continental Club. Will Johnson’s fine lyricism backed up by the band’s earnest indie-rock should be a perfect stepping stone to the Isbell’s impending wit and twang.

Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit: [myspace]
Centro-Matic: [official] [myspace]
Micah P. Hinson: [official] [myspace]

Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Centro-Matic, and Micah P. Hinson
Tuesday, August 14th, 10 p.m.
The Mohawk

Image courtesy of Jason Isbell’s MySpace, Author Unknown.