Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

It's been six years since Scottish singer Clive Parnell's last album with IndigoEcho and now he returns with a new band and a fresh sound. Produced by long time Wet Wet Wet alumni Graeme Duffin who also contributed guitar, the album features Parnell's excellent songwriting and emotive singing. The result is an indie album that ranges from the jangly "Serenade" to the atmospheric acoustic "Flood" and the prayerful "Small Voice". Parnell does a great line in soul searching and pondering life's big questions coupled with observations of the human condition and his vulnerability is compelling. The desire for God and the need to make sense of things is the constant buzz at the back of these songs. Musically, this whole thing works and I have to confess that I wish there was more on here like the opening pair of songs "Out Of Control" and "Walk With Me" where the guitars are plugged in and turned up. That quibble aside, it's simply good to hear some new songs from a fine writer and The Mystery Tent have pitched a strong debut album.

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