Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Row the boat ashore! Geddit? Mike Roe is better known as the man who fronts the 77s and for his musical adventures as a Lost Dog. Reading between the lyrical lines, it seems clear that this solo effort is a selection of songs born in the midst of trials. More melodic and less rocky in style than his 77s output, this is stuff to spend time getting into for the greatest reward. These songs are so captivating that it's possible to hum along and sing the odd line without ever being touched by the pathos of the themes Roe explores. There is an acoustic beauty and simplicity in some of these arrangements which hide Roe's exploration of broken relationships, betrayal, hurt and the death of self worth. Its cleverly deceptive "Honey Run" meanders along pleasantly, "Some Kind Of Dream" sounds like 1981 Talking Heads and is my personal favourite. "Love Like Gold" has some beautiful mandolin playing. There's a not very well hidden song at the end of the album on track 77. (Geddit again?) Not an absolute classic but well worth the exploration if you are into songs that explore and reflect the human condition rather than nice platitudes.

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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