One can only presume the note on the back sleeve – “this record is enjoyed properly at maximum volume” – was written with a smile. Louisiana-born Dylan LeBlanc has never been about rattling the foundations, rather he specialises in country folk as smooth as a freshly shaven eel. He has been compared to Neil Young, but the rough edges that define the Canadian icon are sanded down here, making this third album a pleasant but occasionally unengaging listen. Roll the Dice sees pedal-steel swooning around a gorgeous melody, but it also relies on a hackneyed gambling metaphor for love (“Roll the dice on me”; “play your sleight of hand” etc). Cautionary Tale glides soulfully like Chris Isaak; Man Like Me is reminiscent of My Morning Jacket. It’s pretty and well-crafted, but there might not be a volume setting loud enough for it to truly grab your attention.
