Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

American fourpiece Smouldering Wicks may take their name from Isaiah 42 but that's the only thing which is smouldering here! This is one album which packs a huge punch and sets the grooves on fire. Don't get me wrong, this isn't another one of those soundalike alternative bands all rock power beating you into submission with a flurry of feedback. Nope, here's a band built around the incisive sensitive poetic songwriting of Jeff Roy combining it with enough versatility to embellish the songs with gentle acoustics at one end and blasting horns at another, not forgetting the cellos and violins along the way. Overall though, it's a classic case of two guitars, a bass and some drums winning through. The understated acoustic opening of the title song is a subdued intro into what turns out to be a fine debut disc. "I Am Running Out" is pounding yet melodic and would make a great single; "Das Funk" employs a horn section and lets the band get a little funky; "Dustcloud" has a touch of the surfer guitar sound whilst "Bring The Sun Back Out" has a late Beatles vibe and could almost pass as Britpop. For me though, the one that grabbed me most and had me heading for the repeat play button was "Something Like The Old Familiar" which is wonderfully vibey reminiscent of Van Morrison. Lyrics that are at turns searching, always interesting and never clichéd make this a thought provoking release and all recorded live inside three days! Unsurprisingly it has occasionally momentary lapses but these add to the overall "real" feel of the recording. More than worth exploring!

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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