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.

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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