What's in a name? Apparently, more than you might think. When Jay Farrar released his most recent solo album in 2003, it was his third lackluster release in as many years. Now, Farrar has resurrected his old band, Son Volt [ tickets ]--for whom he remains the principle songwriter--and filled it with three newcomers.

So how exactly is "Okemah and the Melody Riot" a Son Volt album? Where Farrar's solo work was often unfocused and, put simply, dull, his Son Volt stuff is driven, melodic and clear. So too is "Okemah," a fine assortment of grown-up guitar rock.

On "Atmosphere," Farrar marries the slow, meandering rhythm of the song's verses to the sharp melodies of its chorus--the tempo ratcheted up by drummer Dave Bryson taut rolls.

Sure, Farrar still sounds twangy and whiny, but on acoustic numbers like "Ipecac" or the stirring "Medication," his voice sounds right at home. And beneath the cover of Son Volt, Jay Farrar seems once again to be making compelling country rock.