Unlikely Cowboy
"Steppin' Out"

Cryin' in your beer takes time—better make sure the jukebox is fully loaded. Unlikely Cowboy is doing their part. With "Steppin' Out," the Philly trio adds another country-rock breakup song to the stack.

Daniel Schwartz is the group's mastermind; he writes, produces and sings all the songs. Plays guitar, bass, keys and percussion, too. He may be a control freak, but he seems like a good egg. He says all the right things on "Steppin' Out": Accept responsibility, part peacefully, try to stay friends and get on with your life. "Sometimes it's hard to move on," he sings, "so I just wish you well." It's sincere, but not in a cloying way; you can tell by the chime of his guitar that Schwartz has absorbed enough Neil Young to strike the perfect emotional balance. Drummer Andy Vick keeps things going as swiftly as they should—neither galloping nor dragging—and Alison Wadsworth adds some bittersweet harmonies. She sings real pretty, but you don't want to mess with her; she's a Roller Girl, so she could punch Schwartz's lights out if she wanted. That should keep him in check.

Unlikely Cowboy's movin' on—they're headed to L.A. to become rock stars. You can hear "Steppin' Out" at their farewell show Saturday at the Khyber.