Like his excellent debut disc this is a contemporary singer/songwriter album with its roots firmly in the Appalachian Mountains, the singing style and instrumentation can be easily linked to the region’s history, but he’s certainly no slave to the tradition, his writing is modern and the arrangements incorporate influences from many areas; but he manages to maintain a feeling of authenticity throughout the disc.
The disc gets off to a purposeful start with ‘Clinch River Blues’, a pretty serious suicide ballad delivered with a sense of drama and passion, and this sets the scene for the whole album; this is a collection of songs full of intensity and genuine atmosphere
While AJ’s acoustic guitar work is still present, this album has a little more musical depth than ‘Dogwood Winter’; mandolin, organs, bass and some excellent percussion give the album a variety of textures that were perhaps missing off his debut, and the simple but high quality recording only adds to the many charms this disc has to offer.
There are at least 8 songs here that deserve highlighting, but to pick a few favourites; ‘Freezing Car’ is full of memorable imagery woven around a hooky melody; ‘Revelation’ is the powerful, sermon-like closer which that is delivered with conviction and has a real sense of energy from the musicians; and ‘Fashionistas’, my personal favourite, is a beautiful piece of writing that is perfectly presented and a superb example of the singer/songwriter’s craft.
This is an album that holds so much potential and depth that it’s hard to write about the songs without wanting to delve in a little further and find more to enjoy – those willing to do so will be well rewarded
A truly exceptional album – very highly recommended.

£12.99