WHISKEY & CO. >> SELF TITLED. NO IDEA 2004   Sitting around a bonfire with close friends waiting for the sun to come up, or straddling a bar stool with some lonely compatriots hoping the lights never go out--there is indeed nothing like a good libation. And those friendly beer wenches at No Idea Records have succeeded in pouring the public just what we ordered, a tall glass of Whiskey and Co., straight-up. And although this brand of music isn't exactly what the No Idea punk turncoats are known for, this is perhaps the most refreshing genre explored this year.   On Whiskey and Co.'s self-titled debut, Southern-fried alt-country is given a coming-out party, utilizing the common aspects of Americana and Bluegrass. If this blend isn't your flask of choice musically, then perhaps lyrically is where you'll make the connection: "Catch my fall, I'm looking for a friend in a bottle and four walls/ They never seem to tell the truth in why you left, in why you're gone." Songs reeking of small-town stagnation and complacency are spurred on by unhealthy doses of drug addiction and alcohol dependency. And ordinary tales of love gone wrong are darkly portrayed by the angelic Southern drawl of Kim Helm. A fitting frontwoman, Helm comes through precise and soulful on the more up-tempo numbers, although at times seems awkward on some of the slower ones. In due time, however, Helm will find her range and no doubt make this characteristic that's common with less-experienced singers a strong point. Until then, to highlight Kim's voice and add depth to a few tracks, Whiskey enlists the help of violin and banjo players in Gainesville guns-for-hire Jon Gaunt and Chad Smith of Guerilla Grass--a necessary-but-subtle addition that proves to be great accompaniment.   Whiskey and Co. may boast of a clouded future, but with a strong foundation already laid in strong musicianship and a talented charismatic voice, it looks a little brighter from where I'm sittin'. By Pratt The Terrible

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