It’s been almost 8 years since Erica’s last studio album (the excellent ‘Three Wishes’), so this long-awaited new disc from one of the North Eastern USA’s most individual singer/songwriters is a great start to 2008.
Recorded and produced in Boston and produced by Crit Harmon (who has previously worked with Lori McKenna & Mary Gauthier), the combination of Erica’s warm and conversational vocal style and the rootsy Americana instrumentation gives the disc an instant appeal.
Her previous albums have highlighted her ability to evoke a sense of place in her songs, and on this collection of 11 tracks she continues to develop this strength. The disc represents something of a travelogue through the North American landscape, taking in the beauty and power of the wilderness right through to an urban setting. She is an elegant, subtle songwriter and throughout the disc the listener is left to ponder various elements of urban sprawl and to contemplate the impact of change, but without that ever feeling that it’s the main focus of the album.
She has a great band of musicians who add to her own acoustic guitar with dobro, mandolin, upright bass and organ, giving the songs the perfect accompaniment for painting pictures of the American landscape.
There’s an instant likeability to this album, Erica has a friendly easy to enjoy vocal style and the songs are melody led, intelligent pieces of songcraft. Highly recommended.

Track listing
1 As the Crow Flies
2 Good Summer Rain
3 Apache Motel
4 Brand New Starts
5 Endless Pines
6 Muddy Water
7 Lucky in Love
8 The First Sunset
9 Harold
10 Elk Song
11 To Deep Water

£13.49