As evidenced by Richard Revue’s Troy Richard, it isn’t always necessary to express cultural sentiments solely though traditional accordion/fiddle-fueled, French sung Cajun music. Rather, he’s among a growing legion of Lafayette area songwriters who are equally immersed in their culture as their French-crooning counterparts but opt to package their music differently. Granted, contemporaries Drew Landry, Michael Dean and Rex Moreau may have all released recordings prior to Richard’s long awaited debut, but they still acknowledge him as the dean of this generation’s crop of Cajunicana songwriters.

Richard certainly makes up for lost time with this loose concept album that was inspired by his grandparents. His songs deal with, of course, his grandparents, bayou fishing, living off the land, folklore and yearning to visit an era that has long since slipped from the horizon. On “Aunt YaYa,” a comical tune written by brother Artie, an aunt chases off the big Ta-taille, the Cajun swamp monster.

Think vocals with a Mark Meaux angst blended with mellow-ish, early ’70s country rock and that puts you in the ballpark of the Richard Revue sound. Guitarist Brian Marshall trades licks and bright chords with guest steel guitarist John McBride, so there’s often a call and response pattern occurring between the two. Richard crafts memorable, infectious melodies (“Hey Richard,” “Momon Cajun”) to accompany his lyrics and there’s a loose, improvisational vibe since everything was recorded live.