Austin Sound

Down at the End of the Bar is a relentlessly polished release from a country singer who’s had nothing but good press thrown his way since the release of his debut album, Bangs, Bullets, and the Turtle Mountatins. Leo Rondeau’s skittish, warbley vocals sound warm, toned and confident on his latest release as he tells tales of boozing loners, love gone awry, and clueless heretics. There are many sides to Rondeau on Bar. The impressionable, and slyly passionate yodelings that dress the album are trademark and come off especially appealing on the folksy “She’ll Get the Advantage” and “Better Place for You,” both vulnerable points for Rondeau and Bar. They manage, however, to wear their vulnerability well.