Reviewed by Tim Holden

With most bands their debut album can be a bit of a mixed affair but not so with Seattle's Fair. Most of this is down to the multi-talented band members and in particular band leader Aaron Sprinkle, who not only has a wonderful and haunting vocal, but is an excellent songwriter, musician and a well known producer in Seattle and increasingly in the rest of the USA. Each of the 12 songs on this album are crafted gems with intricate rhythms, moody guitars, soulful strings and synth lines and poetic lyrics. All this is delivered in a way that never seems over crowded and makes for a calm album that grows with each listen. From the rock solid "Monday" through the excellent riffs in "The Dumbfound Game" to the beautiful percussion and vocals of "Unglued" this is an exquisite album. If the lyrics and vocal lines were removed you would have a halfway decent record - but with them it is as near perfect as I have heard in years.

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version. You should not assume that products purchased through Cross Rhythms Direct will necessarily have identical track listings to those shown.