Belfast by way of Minneapolis is one way to describe the 2007 CD from Minnesota-based Romantica. Featuring the songs and lead vocals of Belfast born, Minneapolis-bred Ben Kyle, America is cool, breezy pop with deep overtones. The CD’s low-key left field hit “The National Side” sounds a bit like Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits and is a catchy pop hit if there ever was one. Kyle’s fine lead guitar and vocals are ably backed by a solid band with dreamy guitar colorations from Peter Rasmussen and pedal steeler Eric Haywood. www.2024records.com

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