CREDIT: DENICE BAKER
The Allens. Straight, no chaser.

London-based roots-rock outfit The Allens are gearing up for the release of their first full-length studio album on October 27 at Aeolian Hall. This frenetic fivepiece has earned its stripes, growing from humble origins in the local circuit to becoming one of Southwestern Ontario's most beloved live acts. Between the Cash and Carter vocal dynamic of Mack Edwards and Mary Kate Smith, the driving rhythms of Brent Hebert (drums), Michael Middleton (bass), and Deputy Mark Kulmala (rhythm guitar), the band's live show proves they are the real deal.

"Entertaining and connecting with your audience is paramount," said Edwards, "... that is the key to survival as a Canadian musician — that, and grocery store coupons."

The album features 10 tracks of tasteful tunage that promises to perch the band on the cusp of something big. The album's producer, Derek Downham of Toronto-based rock band The Beauties, has worked and played with so many well-known Canadian acts that he has affectionately been hailed as the Kevin Bacon of the Canadian music scene. The Allens are also proud to announce that Canadian songwriting legend Ron Sexsmith will be making a guitar and vocal cameo on the track "I Ain't Gonna Give You Up."

"Working with Ron was such a great experience for us," said Edwards. "He is so approachable and endearing; the time he spent with us was truly inspirational."

The Allens have a sound that is simultaneously distinguished and familiar. Their music draws influences from Bruce Springsteen, Blue Rodeo, Elvis and Johnny Cash. The result is a sonic nexus somewhere between alt-country, rockabilly and contemporary folkdrenched in pop sensibility. While The Allens' songs are versatile in terms of style and dynamics, the subject matter tends to straddle two themes: a softer, lovesick kind-of sentiment, or a shook-up, tongueand- cheek kind-of drinking anthem. The contrast works wonders in a live setting, winding up the audience with danceable drinking ditties, then letting them down on a bed of bewitching ballads.

The Allens' hard work and perseverance is about to pay off, and their fans couldn't be more excited. Tickets for the show are available through the Aeolian boxoffice (795 Dundas St. E.), Grooves (353 Clarence St.), The Village Idiot (Wortley Village) and online at aeolianhall.ca. You can sneak a peek at four of their new tracks online at theallens.bandcamp.com.