Reviewed by Tony May

Six tracks of the Shelter brand of currently fashionable rootsy folk/rock. "High King" kicks off the mini-set with an impressively positive lyric set to a romping jig sound. Good start, though immediate impression of a somewhat muffled vocal sound. I'm sure it's deliberate, not so sure that I agree. "Tomorrow Girl" and "Run Before I Fall" display the band's competence as a rock outfit, quite fiery and agressive enough for most tastes. "I Believe" has a weak acapella intro, which thankfully leads to a fiddle-led charge. Nice idea, but acapella needs as much commitment and polish as the rest of what you do, guys. "Dear Insincere" comes off well as a gently acoustic number that builds well and certainly suits the voice while "Road Song" is one of those friendly "people and places" ditties. Nothing particularly rivetting to report, but a competent band at this stage, with indications of better to come. A good live recording might be a wise move.

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