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David Newbould Sin & Redemption Review by Gary Hill If you dig classy mainstream Americana based music, you'll find plenty to like here. I'd say that the most prevalent reference point is to Bruce Springsteen, but there are a lot of other things at play here. Nothing here is weak, and there are plenty of highlights. This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2021 Volume 4. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2021.

Track by Track Review

Sensitive Heart A mainstream rocker, this has some great hooks and meaty musical textures. This is an energized and catchy rocker that makes a great opening statement.

Sin & Redemption This feels like something Bruce Springsteen might have done to me. It's a cool rocker with a gritty edge.

Smiling in the Rain A slower tune, this is perhaps closer to folk rock. It definitely has a lot of Americana in the mix. It's another effective tune with another shift in style.

Long Road to Barstow While the bulk of this tune is set in another Springsteen-like Americana arrangement, the instrumental break moves into jazzy zones. This is one of the classiest pieces here.

Sweet Virginia Morn I dig the energized, hook-driven sound of this tune. It's set pretty well in country rock zone. The harmonica is a nice touch here. There us a little backwards tracked thing at the end of this.

Diamonds in the Dark A more stripped back arrangement, this is a little rawer in a roots way. The vocals again make me think of Springsteen. The cut drives out with added layers after the first chorus. Eventually this turns toward glam rock zones. It gets into some of the most powerful jamming of the set.

Runaround Town This number is even more Springsteen-like. It's a mainstream rocker with great energy and hooks.

Love You Too Much (Henry's Song) A mellower country-leaning number, this brings both emotion and variety. It's an intriguing change.

L.A. Dreams Another that is on the mellower end of the spectrum, this is a moving folk-based cut. I like it a lot.

Oh Katy (Just Gettin' By) This is more of a rocker. I dig the slide guitar and the Americana it brings. This is a fun number, making it a great choice for closer.

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