Reviewed by Stella Redburn

An intensely personal and original set of 10 songs from a Nashville-based songsmith, conceived as a 10-course audible meal. The powerful lyrics are revealingly autobiographical and I found the musicality absolutely impeccable. "Murder A Messenger" features pop vocalist Jessica Crawford, who duets flawlessly with Zumback. The track is about St Paul but is also brutally self-revealing. Many tracks have a strong country feel, like "Entertaining Angels" which features The Brothers McClurg's impeccable slide guitar and four-part vocal harmony. All the songs are directly inspired by the Bible but seen through an entirely unique lens. "Resurrect Me" is such a strong song: a dead man speaks and the soul-baring lyrics are complemented by an original soundscape. "Down In My Soul" compellingly begins with an actual voicemail from Ian's father - a plea for help from a dark place. Many people will identify with this and with the song that jumps off from the story of The Good Samaritan. The nearest thing to a congregational worship song is "Hope Beyond Despair" which reiterates that there is grace for every failing. The album is produced by Chris Hoisington, and what a fine job he does on Mr Zumback's debut.

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