At the risk of sounding like one of those purists who went apoplectic when Dylan plugged in, much of the distorted electric guitar on Take Her Favour — the debut album by Bloomington trio Kentucky Nightmare — sounds like an intrusion, harshing the mellow created by swaying, slow-dance, largely acoustic ballads like “See You Dance” and “Caroline & I.” That opening track, “See You Dance,” almost misrepresents the rest of the album: group harmonies, a gently swinging guitar and an economical ragtime-esque keyboard merge at the tempo of a rocking chair, and the whole thing sounds charmingly like the band is trying to channel, say, The Lovin’ Spoonful or The Beach Boys at their most laid-back. It’s the high point, and while continuity isn’t anything to be prized in and of itself, the album might have been stronger if they’d stuck in that territory. As is, there’s some other pleasant surprises on more abrasive tracks — including the unbridled “Money (A Lot)" — but nothing quite as coherent and fully-realized as those standout ballads. Lead singer Simon Moore’s lyrics are unobtrusive until a hackneyed line like “love sets us on fire” sounds a conspicuous false note, and his delivery, laconic and off-hand, is serviceable if lacking in dynamism. Maybe they ought to take their advice on the lovely, loping, wistful “Caroline & I” (which is featured on the May/June Paste CD sampler): “You ought to slow down / You all move too fast.” (A 12-track full-length, Take Her Favour is available for a very reasonable $9 from http://www.standardrecording.com.)

05.06.09