If this album is any indication, Oli Brown has won the coin toss. It drives its clutches right in from the first track, “Evil Soul”, a Black Crowes-esque wailer with a Nashville beat behind it and a certain degree of urgency.

While Oli Brown seems as American as apple pie, he is far from it; British-born and signed to the German blues label Ruf Records, America adopted him as their own from day one when he appeared at the Memphis Blues Convention in 2008. Heads I Win, Tails You Lose was produced by legendary blues producer and founder of the Blues Horizon record label, Mike Vernon.

The pacing of the album follows a tried-and-true formula; reel them in with the first three tracks, then drop it down a notch. “Keeping My Options Open” has a bit of a funk vibe to it and a chorus that is instantly classic in its simplicity. Drummer Simon Dring carries a tight and contagious groove over a constantly moving guitar.

“Speechless” slows us down and focuses on the vocals, a broken-hearted plea. The British blues influences are obvious and effective, and we are indeed left speechless at the end. “Fever” kicks it back up with an organ-oriented cover of the Willie John classic. The band also covers popular 90s R&B group Blackstreet’s hit, “No Diggity”, giving it a rocked-out and retro feel.

While Oli Brown‘s guitar chops shine clearly through, the production is a balanced and sonically diverse effort, showcasing Dring‘s drums and leaving room for everyone to hear the lyrics, which are catchy enough to make you want to sing them all day. Heads I Win, Tails You Lose packs a punch in its timelessness and, as a sophomore effort, is already the makings of a classic.