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By KRYS GRANDMOND
Staff Writer

It starts with a toe-tapping beat, a few distorted vocals, and you're hooked.

While definitely on the short side, the first song on the Black Bone Child's self-titled album, "Time Pass Me By", sets the mood for the CD.

Reeking of poorly lit pool halls and taverns, this album already feels like an easy-going, laid-back, night out with the guys.

The song changes. "Ha Ha Hey Hey" brings with it blue jeans, leather jackets, cowboy boots and a mysterious, seductive smile shot across the room to the bartender, whose body moves in rhythm with the music pouring from the jukebox.

Can you see it yet?

BBC is a feel-good album with lots to say. I don't think the band counted on sex appeal when writing these songs, but the sultry, seductive music creates an atmosphere of lusty desire. It just can't get any better than this.

And then I hear "Light Up The Sky". I am now that bartender, coming out to grab the one with the mysterious grin and hit the dance floor for a hot-and-heavy, sexy grind.

The album continues to play and I find myself craving a cold beer, or a cold shower, or maybe both. But the intensity and rhythm keep me hooked, still sitting here, wondering, not only where these guys came from, but why they're not where they want to be yet?

It's definitely not a question of talent. The duo is clearly well equipped when it comes to that. Perhaps it is a need to retain creative control that record companies all-too-often rip from the bands who sign their pages in hopes of bigger and better dreams?

At any rate, Black Bone Child should not have to wait long for their turn to come up. Hailing from the live music capitol of the world definitely gives them a clearer shot at the big-time than their smaller-city counterparts.

But I'll let the music speak for itself. Just listen to it. Then tell me how you feel.