Reviewed by Paul Saint

'Noise From Words' is the latest album from the Chicago-based singer/songwriter who played the Centaur stage at Greenbelt 07 (and where, incidentally, this album was launched). It's an autobiographical work in which McDermott pours out his soul in songs of personal struggle, redemption, encouragement and love lost. Performing with acoustic guitar, pedal steel and piano, McDermott has produced a beautifully crafted album that has managed to recreate the intimacy typical of his solo live performances. The vocals are expressive, the guitar themes and lyrics captivating. In the opening track, "Mess Of Things", performed with acoustic guitar, dobro, piano and pedal steel, McDermott reflects on his past and the bad decisions he seemed destined to make. "Tread Lightly" (acoustic with harmonica intro), "Broken" (acoustic with bass and piano) and "I Shall Be Healed" (piano/strings) are uplifting songs of hope and encouragement. The tracks "No Words" and "Still Ain't Over You Yet" are ruthlessly honest songs of love, the latter with his memorable, if controversial, confession that his spiritual condition is "piss poor". In contrast, "All My Love" and "A Kind Of Love Song" have a softer/tender edge to them. For the story behind "My Father's Son" take a look at www.michael-mcdermott.com/biography.html. All in all, this is a great album, possibly the songsmith's finest.

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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