Rock in the US isn't anything like it was years ago, so it makes me feel good to know that groups in other countries have been able to pick up the slack, and then some. DUST BOWL JOKIES, who hail from Sölvesborg, Sweden, are one such band, combining big, loud guitars with a gritty attitude on their newest release, the two-song EP "The Wicked/ Blood, Sweat & Perfume." Formed in 2011, the band released the well-received "Cockaigne Vaudeville" the same year, and have been playing "The Wicked" is a somewhat slow song that starts out with a bluesy, country music feel before jumping into its awesome, Southern-tinged main riff. It's no mean feat to write an accessible, anthemic song that also rocks really hard, which is just what these guys have done with this boot-stomping track. The guitars are heavy, the drums are loud, and with lines like "I wash your hands from dirty deeds, lies and cheats and human need" this song is about as Rock n' Roll as it gets.

Alexx's killer vocals and Victor and Nicke's superb guitar playing propel the aggressive "Blood, Sweat & Perfume." It has a good bit of melody, and the solos are nothing short of electrifying. It doesn't have the same immediate memorability as "The Wicked," but it's more energetic and still just as strong lyrically and musically.

Despite their odd name, DUST BOWL JOKIES are definitely a band worth paying attention to. They have a real knack for writing memorable songs with and old-school Hard Rock sensibility in their own style. With solid production, strong vocals and great instrumental performances, "The Wicked/ Blood, Sweat & Perfume" sets the expectations high for the future of this young, talented band. I highly recommend this to fans of Hard Rock and Metal.