Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Portland, Oregon's Deeper Well Records are well known for turning out organic offerings of Americana praise and this, the label's third shop window compilation, doesn't let the side down. The unique selling point here is that the whole thing was recorded over two nights onto four-track cassette giving proceedings a delightfully homespun and intimate feel which suits the laidback feel of the project (and the label) down to the ground. Amongst the 12 contributors, Deeper Well founder Josh White's voice and rickety piano on "Grant Us Thy Peace" - complete with barking dogs in the background - and Evan Thomas Way's stripped back "Let It Be So" showcase what can be done with the barest of instrumentation whilst the likes of Rachael Price's "Free To Choose" and Nick Smith's soulful "Savior And King" beefs the sound out a bit without overegging the pudding. Holly Ann's "Always You" and Benjamin Krogh's "You Made A Way" reflect the Jesus-centric nature of this collection whilst Wesley Randolph Eader's fiddle-led "Two Hands" adds a welcome burst of energy before a fairly straight reading of the old hymn "Blessed Assurance" courtesy of Brittany Richards closes matters in suitably low key fashion.

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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