Reviewed by Gareth Hills

Carolina Story isn't a soloist but a Memphis-based husband and wife duo, Ben and Emily Roberts, who offer folk roots and acoustic pop stylings with a thoughtful and finely crafted approach to their music. There are certain albums which lend themselves in a special way to a specific mood, captured in a specific time and place. Somehow the music, mood, and your surroundings briefly converge for one beautiful, fleeting moment, one that proves difficult to replicate. This first album from is one of those albums. Sounding by turns like a '70s folk record, mixed with the acoustic stylings of John Mayer, with a whole load of other things in between, 'When The River Met The Sea' comprises that elusive blend of excellent songwriting and creative musicianship. "This Hell I've Been Calling Home" is a particular standout track, where lyric, guitar, piano and glockenspiel delicately interweave together. Another is "Sleepwalking", which deals with the malaise of living without knowing one's purpose, and really serves to highlight the songwriting prowess on display over these songs. I look forward to hearing more from this songwriting partnership. Their potential, if this album is anything to go by, is huge.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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