CD reviews: The Miltones

Led by singer Milly Tabak and guitarist Liam Pratt, West Auckland outfit The Miltones have channelled 1970s country/blues/rock on their debut album, which is at its best when it allows for interplay between deft keyboard flourishes and silky electric guitar phrasing, augmented by Tabak's assured vocal approach, even if she does get a little too close to Stevie Nicks impersonation at times.

The songwriting is pretty strong, from the space and brooding textures of Wildfire and Glory, to the personal lyricism of Carlos, although even the assured production of Lyttelton-based Ben Edwards can't provide enough detours on an Americana road increasingly overcrowded.

• The Miltones. Self-titled. Independent.
• ★★★+
• Single download: Carlos
• For those who like: Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac