Combining elements of country and folk music, the members of Richmond Fontaine provide a compelling backdrop for the heart wrenching tales of lead singer Willy Vlautin. His Carver-esque lyrics bring a vision of the West which is both vital and compelling. Bleak characters occupy the songs, ready to break out of the prison everyday life has brought them. Wistful pedal steel, melodic bass, jazz inflected drumming and ringing electric guitar serve as the only escape from Richmond Fontaine's songs