Wow! I was surprised to receive this album in the mail. But I’m so glad that I did. This is the first true album with a 2011 release date that I’ve received.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2011  Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Sometimes you just know when an album is going to be good! That’s exactly how you feel after “Black is the Color” kicks this one off. The sound and impressions are incredible. If this is your first time hearing the band, like me, then you will probably think, as I did, that you are hearing a young Sting. Both the vocals and the music sound like something he might have done with this classic.  The soft patted drums are fantastic. The keys and guitars make this the best song on the album.

The Tom Waits classic “Chocolate Jesus” is well preformed. It’s hard to compete with Waits and his ability to create a mood, but they do a good job. They needed a little of that New Orleans piano and thump, like Joe Bonamassa did with “Jockey Full of Bourbon.” The washboard effect is cool, though.