The Demolition String Band is a rockin' alternative country band with roots in the newgrass insurgence. The DSB recently swung through the Eastern shore bringing their unique style of honky tonk to the stage at Andy's in Chestertown, Maryland, playing originals and covering old favorites by Waylon Jennings, Tammy Wynette and even the Ramones. You won't believe what lead singer Elena Skye can do with Madonna's "Like a Prayer".

Skye appears to be the ringleader of this talented, entertaining foursome. The hysterical interaction between the band members is itself worth the price of admission.

Skye's vocal style is aggressive but inviting --less like a handshake and more like a walloping punch to the shoulder. Looking like a cross between Ani DiFranco and Valerie Bertinelli with braids, this little cowgirl is not much bigger than her guitar but she has plenty of musical muscle.

Boo Reiners is well-known for his talents on the guitar as well as the banjo and, together with Elena, is a staple in NYC's ever growing country music scene. The "lean, mean, hillbilly machine" has fingers that fly over banjo strings one minute and squeeze out long, sweet bursts of Hendrix from his Fender the next.

Annie Husick, formerly of Band of Susans and Siberia, is a veteran on the music scene and brings her own brand of laid-back bass foundations. Quietly passionate, sporting cowboy boots and a nose ring, Annie handles the bass lines perfectly and her voice adds a complementary sweetness to the harmonies.

Louie Appel, also the drummer for Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, drove the rhythm - and the jokes - all night long. Appel is simply one of the best drummers around anywhere and has worked with a long list of major musicians. His versatility, personality and skills allow him to make big contributions no matter with whom he is performing.

The set included an amazing rendition of "Son of a Preacher Man" that got the attention of everyone in the house. Skye's style is perfectly suited for the Tammy Wynette hit, "Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad", which she covered with particular relish. Her original tunes have the echo of classic ballads. "Garden of Love" and "Beggar," two of her most powerful pieces, are full of traditional country music themes and melodies that leave their mark.

The Demolition String Band's most recent release, " Pulling Up Atlantis," was recorded with Steve Addabbo (Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin) as well as Eric "Roscoe" Ambel (Ryan Adams, Nils Lofgren, The Bottle Rockets) and is available on Okra-Tone Records.