No gimmicks here, just guts. “Horse Graveyard” sneers and seduces but it always captivates as the lonesome cowboy hero recalls trials and triumphs from ghosts both past and present. Chris Sand’s dry and dusky drawl swaggers through the songs of “Horse Graveyard” fearlessly as he croons through a country baritone that is cool and removed yet hearty and exacting.

The great-grandson of Montana and North Dakota pioneers, Sand grew up hearing cowboy poetry and country music. When hip hop culture hit “the Rez” (the Flathead Indian Reservation in western Montana, where Sand lived most of his early years), he learned to rap and rhyme to the pulse of baling machines and irrigation pumps. “Rough Notes From Ottercove” showcases the breadth of Sandman, ranging from old school hip hop, cowboy folk, and childrens songs. The album comes with a sumptuous hand letterpressed lyric booklet.