Chris DeLine

How is it that an Irish singer helms one of the Twin Cities’ best answers to modern Americana? After hearing Romantica and digesting the group’s cohesiveness, such a question is entirely moot—just know that the band makes complete sense after even a brief listen. Gaining immense national recognition with 2007’s America, Romantica has steadily been building a reputation for its honest blend of musicians who breathe familiarity into modern music. To really make its mark on 2009, Romantica will be playing one of its first dates of the year Saturday night at the Cedar. Taking a break from promoting the recent Hopefuls release, Darren Jackson will be opening the night’s show with the well-traveled Kid Dakota. All ages.

[This critics’ pick was originally published by City Pages.]