Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

This is an intelligent acoustic guitar-driven pop album packed with beautiful rich songs delivered with a voice that wraps purity and passion into one single gobsmacking entity. Having gone down the mainstream path and been courted and developed by Chrysalis Records, Esther Duffin delivers an independently produced solo debut. From the whimsical drifting "Driftwood And Dreams" to the driving groove and catchy hooks of "Move On" and "Bring It On", Esther has a knack for memorable melodies and a poetic turn of phrase that places her alongside any of the latest crop of female guitar toting songwriters currently emerging. Personally I love the emotion of "What's A Girl To Do?" and the pure vibe of the closing "Sailing Solar Wind". It has to be mentioned that Esther is the daughter of original Wet Wet Wet member Graeme Duffin who adds his musical skills to the project. With faith underpinning the songs rather than hitting you full in the face, 'The Place Where We Are' is an album that is a real grower as its intrinsic beauty becomes more apparent with each play.

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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