Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Yep, the one we've all been waiting for and it's the hot-tie everyone who's caught their sizzling live sets predicted. All the elements are there, those haunting Paul Northup vocals with their laconic understatement; delightfully tight folk-rock picking (Neill Forrest's mandolin is as ever superb) and songs which are avowedly poetic ("I try to capture colour with my words," Paul sings). If there is a minor quibble it's that there isn't a full-tilt stomper to really bring the band's folk dance and indie rock elements into focus and with all the mid-tempo and slowish songs, those yet to be won over to Eden Burning's growing legion of fans might wonder what all the fuss is about. Yet a few listens will show them. With three songwriters in the band turning in such excellent material and with such inventive playing (catch Charlotte's flute on the opener or the dazzling flying digits of Neill Forrest on the romping instrumental "The Reel Of Pickering Pick") one keeps returning to this album. Currently my favourites are the evocative "Different Drum" and "Feel The Rain" which begins at an easy-going lollop but doubles its tempo for a wild climax. But I'm still listening.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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