'Utah Carol' are husband and wife team Grant Birkenbeuel and JinJa Davis, and this, their second album is an inventive collection of 15 songs that are difficult to pin down to any particular genre. It's probably best (although inadequately) described as intelligent melody driven pop, with singer/songwriter and Americana values - it's not dissimilar to Kirsty MacColl in many areas, although Utah Carol are certainly distinct from anyone else out there.
The striking thing on first listen is the use of vocals, Jinja's voice is clear and sweet, and there's plenty of layering and harmonies throughout, evoking the spirit of 60's and 80's pop in places, which really adds to making this disc immediately accessible. Likewise, the use of instrumentation is varied and imaginative - strings, chimes, flugel horn, and tuba all make their way into the songs and add layers and colour.
There are many standouts tracks here, from the jangly guitars of 'Silver Space Rocket', to the dream-like groove of 'Find a Way', through to the lyrically thought-provoking and instrumentally fantastic closing song 'The Way of the Buffalo'.
'Comfort for the Traveller' is a wonderfully diverse album, it mixes genres seamlessly, and has a cohesive feel thanks to the constantly upbeat melodies and imaginative vocals.
Contemporary yet familiar, pop-like but with real depth - this is a disc that deserves success, both critically and commercially. A perfect album for the summer. 

£13.49