Rose's Pawn Shop, self-released ***

We are what we hear. And what songwriter and singer Paul Givant heard when he was growing up, according to the Rose's Pawn Shop website, was a "mishmash of rock, punk, country, pop, rap and all the rest". However, it was American folk and bluegrass that really turned his ear. The various influences come over loud and clear in this second album by Givant's band, so called because a vengeful ex-girlfriend once attempted to pawn the LA-based group's instruments in a shop of that name. The 12 tracks rip along at a feverish pace, driven by Tim Weed's violin, John Krauss's banjo and a propulsive rhythm section – it's striking to hear how influential The Pogues have been on American roots music. Givant's colourful songs carry a punch, albeit nothing distinctive, but their energy and flair should go down a storm when the band visits here next week for gigs in Whelan's and elsewhere. rosespawnshop.com

Download:The Well, The Bed in Which You Lie