Reviewed by Simon Eden

This is the sort of album you accidentally fall in love with at a music festival. With an arty cover of two red skinned Simpson look-a-likes and a closing track sung in German, this is a fine set from the American singer/songwriter now living in Germany. The title is a bit misleading as there is no rock'n'roll; the closest you get is "Messed Up Everywhere Blues". Most of the tracks are soft contemplative acoustic guitar reflections on love and life with God often a normal part. Lyrics include "I thanked God a lot for you today, in fact, I prayed until my food got cold." Elsewhere, it's a shame a swear word slipped into the lady's finely crafted lyrics. Overall though, this is music for the chilled out end of a party as people are sitting around in the early hours with the lights low waiting for the dawn. Tess plays an impressive assortment of instruments on the album including a resonator, Rhodes, clavinet, melotron and melodica, whilst accompanied by others such as Axel Hamburger on whistle, Ghodi Giahi on santur and Elo von Knorre on "choir". The result is still an attractive simplicity that shines with creative originality.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.