No "Excuses" Necessary for Chris Pickering

...because the artist who had a release titled Excuses, Excuses left little reason for them. Now onstage at the Viper Room is Australian heartthrob Chris Pickering, who has swiftly proven that he's more than just another pretty face (kinda like Sat Bisla). Playing both acoustic guitar and harmonica, backed by a bassist and drummer, Pickering's sound is comparable to that of Chris Isaak, sharing an easy grace backed by masterful musicianship that's an all too rare commodity on the radio these days...aside from "Passport Approved," of course (end shameless plug). "Broken Wings" was a particularly effective showcase of Pickering's soulful vocals and sound sense of arrangement, evoking a respectful hush from the packed crowd before an appreciative response at the song's conclusion. At the same time, he also offered jauntier numbers that had the audience swaying in time and singing along on the choruses; definitely an artist to keep an eye on down Nashville way.