A promise of Americana delivered from Europe. Pedal steel, accordion, jew's harp - perhaps not what you'd expect to be exported from Belgium. Beer and chocolate unquestionably, but Inneke 23 & The Lipstick Painters are nevertheless, the real deal.

Opening with Black the band come on like Lynyrd Skynyrd (in a southern country/folk style, of course). Star Car throws the accordion deep into the mix and with lyrical references to Gram Parsons, it's jaunty affair.

The Strangles No More Heroes is a strange inclusion, but works surprisingly well, Inneke delivering her vocals in a gentle, semi spoken easy on the ear country blues style (think early Jewel after a pack of Gauloises, or Sophie Zelmani).

As an album, Charcoal harks back to the CSN era with a west coast feel, tempered by gallic elements such as the European style accordion playing - for example, on the rockabilly I'd rather Be A Fair Play Loser and the jaunty folk of Night At The Crossroads.

It's beautifully played and recorded and the album throws up some particularly memorable moments - in particular, the moody Sweet Headed Girl, the smouldering lust of Your Smile, Olives And Red Wine, and wistful Some Room For The Blues In Your Heart.

Surprisingly good.

***½

Review by Pete Whalley