Reviewed by Helen Whitall

Oregon-based singer Josh Garrels here offers tasters from his rich discography of the last decade in this seven-track sampler. It begins with the jazzy "Born Again" (from 2015's 'Home'). Guitar, keys, drums, harp, strings and vocals all wash and swirl hypnotically creating a soft soundscape with a beautiful swaying rhythm. This track really shows off Garrels' vocals, somehow smooth yet textured, with depth and great range and very current in style; however this is a style I personally struggle with a little as it sounds like an artificial accent whoever uses it. "Be Set Free" (from 2008's 'Lost Animals') is an interesting, almost instrumental track, beginning with tickling, twinkling guitar as gradually a percussive rhythm builds and eventually a short sung refrain comes in towards the end before it strips right down to the simple guitar again. "Rise (Kye Kye Remix)" from 2012's 'Love And War B Sides And Remixes' is an atmospheric, electronic, bassy remix over which the vocals soar, with an encouraging and hopeful message of better to come. The playful "Pilot Me (Live On Mayne Island)" from 'The Sea Inbetween Soundtrack', 2013, is a prayer for God to take control when lacking direction, driven by quirky strings and skilful acoustic instrumentation. This is a nice and varied selection, a mellow listen in itself but also a great way in for anyone unfamiliar with Garrels' talents.

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