Dim the lights, fan the flames, turn up the smoke; the FLATIRONS, a fresh young roots-rock combo from Portland, arrive with their debut CD on Checkered Past. The band's playing is strong but subtle, stopped in understated, atmospheric country classicism, then lead vocalist Wendy Pate unbridles her throaty croon, and your resistance will melt away faster than a sno-scone in the sun. Imagine the lush pipes of a Patsy or Brenda lee, strapped to the back of a supple thoroughbred as it leans into teh home stretch, breaks the tape, anb bolts the fence, disappearing over the sunset-smoldering hills beyond.