The debut album from Ashleigh Flynn and The Riveters is coming out in September on  Home Perm Records.

The first thing to get out of the way is that this is an all-female band. now let’s talk about how good they are an how much you will love this CD.

Lead vocalist and acoustic guitar player Ashleifn Flynn have chosen her Riveters well. They are Nancy Luca playing electric guitars, Carmen Paradise on bass, Jolie Clausen on drums, Jenny Conlee on organ and piano, Kathryn Claire on fiddle and Ara Lee on background vocals. Together, they create songs that are both sweet and strong. Luca was once in Bo Diddey’stouring band,  Paradise is part of the folk duo The Marvins, and Conlee is a member of The Decemberists,.All these women are seasoned professionals and it shows.

All of these songs are credited to Ashleigh Flynn and The Riveters. The album starts out with the rockabilly “This Love,” which introduces us to Flynn’s expressive voice and Luca’s ability to shred on electric guitar. Then we have the sweet harmonies of “The Sound of Bells,” which contrasts sharply with the f gritty”Cold Black Line.”

“Close To The Sun,” a song about heartbreak, actually has a jaunty 70’s sound which promises hope, as indeed the lyrics do as well. “One Moment” could be a country/pop crossover, with strong gospel influences, amazing guitar from Luca and those great harmonies again.” You Will Remember” is a declaration and a promise of vengeance with some incredibled drumming and guitar to add emphasis to the vocals.

“Shrouded Sun” is a poetic, touching ballad about the s[ace between reality an dreams and continues Flynn’s masterful use of nature imagery.

“Fly Away” is a Southern rock anthem which uses mythology in the lyrics and delivers a message of hope in Flynn’s recurring invocation of flight.

“High On A Mountain” is a beautiful country ballad with a delightful piano accompaniment and an effective use of the traditional soloverse, harmonizing chorus.

It all ends with a song that proves Flynn has a sense of humor, too. “Big Hat, No Cattle” is about the sort of urban cowboy everybody in any city in the South knows well. You’ll recognize the gun rack in the truck and the boots and all the rest.

Flynn and The Riveters are sometimes vulnerable on this CD, but never weak, heartbroken at times but not hopeless. The lyrics, vocals, and musicians all celebrate the strength of women who dream, take chances, overcome, and live full lives. Flynn is a great songwriter as well a vocalist and you will enjoy her and The Riveters.