Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

This is Marianne Kesler's sixth album to date and is very much a collaboration with her son and producer J Benjamin Kesler who provides expert production and the majority of the instrumentation on this release. Proceedings kick off with the intriguing "Mystery" which showcases the laid back acoustic folk-tinged pop of an artist whose style is occasionally reminiscent of the likes of Edie Brickell and Nanci Griffith. Highlights include the slow blues of "Every Time" and the effectively simple song of reflection "2 O'clock" whilst "Still Small Sadness" appears to take on the thorny subject of depression complete with a delicious guitar solo from the aforementioned producer. Kesler provides an unpretentious and personal account of her faith through subtle references to God - most notably in "Once More" and "Poet's Dream" which reference the books of Isaiah and Joel - but this is done in way that will engage believer and non-believer alike. Only the insubstantial "Catch Me If You Can" lets the side down but the inclusion of two excellent Neil Young covers ("Ohio" and "The Needle & The Damage Done") round off what is another enjoyable release from the Ohio-based singer songwriter.

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