The fact that there are 17 musicians and singers listed on the latest album from Staten Island based band The Headlocks is more than a little mind-blowing. It is initially overwhelming, but quickly proves to be essential this band’s sound. Their full length release, Cuckoo Bird, is a jam band-esque blend of blues, roots, rock, country, and folk music.

There is a plethora of background vocals and instrumentation including a ukulele, harmonica, cuica, jawharp, and glockenspiel, along with the usual suspects. This aids in creating layers of sound and giving each track more depth.

The band creates songs that are reminiscent of folk rock from the early ’60s. They tell stories to listeners, almost as if they are friends, eagerly waiting for what comes next. Tracks like “Driving In the Dark” and Out in the Sun” are simple yet thoughtful. The charismatic delivery of lyrics creates wonderful imagery in each song. “Me or You” and “Amen Good Charles” utilize more of a country and honky-tonk style and pianos flood “Shelter.”

All in all, the band has created a rather pleasant album. The music is simple, yet catchy. However, while the band has done a good job of recreating many of the wonderful sounds of early folk, blues, and rock, they lack a real individuality within the genres. Regardless of this fact, they sit alongside their peers with a well-balanced and enjoyable album.

(self-released, no address provided)