This disc is full of effective songs. There are a few words that could be used to describe nearly every piece here, including "moody," "atmospheric" and "dreamy." Therein lies the biggest issue. There just isn't enough variety here. The tempo is almost the same throughout. The intensity level is very close from song to song. The vocal delivery and sonic textures are largely unchanged. That means that as a collection of songs it tends to be monolithic. Perhaps that's only so important. I mean, in the modern age it seems a large number of people just listen to a song here and there and don't spin a whole album. In that case this would be exceptional. Taken as a set, though, it's good, but not without the issue of being to formulaic.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2018  Volume 2 at  garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2018.

There is more of an Americana vibe on this rocker. It's more in line with a hard rocking sound and is quite effective.

Punk, grunge and Americana seem to merge on this song. While it's not a big change from the first two tracks, this is somehow stronger.

This is more of a balladic cut. It makes me think of something Bruce Springsteen might do, but the vocals don't sound like him.

Dream pop and Radiohead styled alternative rock seem to blend here. This is another solid entry.

Another good alternative rocker, this is just a bit too much like the rest of the stuff around here. The formula is starting to run a bit thin by this point.