Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Re-released after his recent five-track EP 'River Bends' and again produced by Don Peris, this 1998 studio recording sees 16 songs from Witmer presented in simple fashion, again with minimal backing. Gentle acoustic and electric guitars create a melodic underscore over which Witmer's lilting voice tell the stories and recount the observations. Listening, it struck me that it has the same late night feel of an acoustic lain Archer offering. This is roots music with its heart on its sleeve and Witmer seems to enjoy being downbeat in the same way that Morrissey enjoys being depressed! The highlight for me is the beautiful Los Angeles (also featured on 'River Bends') with its sudden ending and incomplete emotions. And that's what makes Witmer's songs so enigmatic -the way he leaves observations, emotions and songs without closure. The experience is designed to connect with the listener and leave you thinking. Spiritual content is implied and almost unspoken but lurking in the background, almost in the conversations that have inspired some of these songs to be penned. Sensitive, understated and yearning,

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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