Reviewed by Stella Redburn

This six-song EP is from a husband and wife duo from Crystal Lake, near Chicago, who describe themselves as "narrative pop folk." It's refreshing to find a release so different. The whole thrust of the project is to explore ways of telling stories in music. Dave, a former American Idol finalist, has an attractive, clear voice which holds your interest. The songs are complex but with memorable tunes and the lyrics find original ways of celebrating the Gospel. Three of the tracks are songs about songs. Track one describes the Creation, the Fall and the offer of Redemption. You'll keep singing the chorus "Underneath where eyes don't go". "Silver" is probably the strongest song. Dave says the lyrics are about Tolkein's "true myth" of the gospel overcoming C.S. Lewis's "myths breathed through silver". That sounds complicated but it's actually a delightful adventure with its simple chorus tune and its catchy piano riff (plus "oohs"). "Music From A Garden" describes the song of creation. The off-beat quirky lyrics remind me of the Incredible String Band. Some of the imagery is deliciously different; like God trying to decide which colour to paint the sky. "Gray Flowers" and "Train Station" are both successful metaphors for the Gospel. The bonus track "Let's Get Married" is a bit of fun where we get to hear Licia's sweet voice in a relaxed country-style duet.

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