Reviewed by Rob Birtley

You may know Doug Jutras from his project 'Fear God' which is an Orange County-tinged punk rock band. His music is coloured by his experience of personal rough times and being on his own since his early teen years. His musical aim is to inspire and encourage others who may be searching for some meaning just as he was and music is his vehicle. The results of this EP are rather surprising. Yes, it's blue collar and angst fuelled but the style is an acoustic blend of rock and blues with a bit of country overlaid with the working man sound of Springsteen. The three songs here are all stark and stripped back and all are equally moving. The opening title track has a '60s Woodstock Dylan vibe. "Single Red Rose" is a song of loss. The punk influence especially in the rhythm guitar backing is to the fore with a country blues solo while "God's Town" is full of social comment highlighting differences spotlighting commonalities and makes the point we should all be working towards making our towns and cities and neighbourhoods 'God's Town'. It seems like this EP flashes by but its effect draws you in and sends you back to listen again and again to delve deeper.

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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