Promotional departments like to compare everyone to Elliott Smith, but it actually works to a certain extent here. At the foundation, Blood gives us singer/songwriter laments. Yet, like Smith, he does some interesting things to fill the songs out. On a few, like number one, he incorporates horns and all sorts other things, sort of post-Either/Or Smith. There is an altcountry vein to these tunes as well – i.e. banjo and harmonica, which do not dominate and work well. Especially noteworthy is his ability to not overproduce these songs – they retain that organic/singer/songwriter appeal. In short, he balances pop and folk traditions well. His vocals will not melt hearts, but they are earnest and I like them. Most of the songs are about love/relationship/depression etc. I wish my last name was “Blood,” but it isn’t – it is Mettler. Matt M.

Play this song*
1. Up-temp – big sound number – driving rhythm with horns and everything. 2:46
2. *Mid-tempo – nice guitar riff with banjo throughout, which really works in his music. Steady rhythm - harmonica too. 5:29.
3. Mid-tempo – cello comes in for nice effect. Has a quirky melodica solo. “Kicked Ass” FCC? Very simple love song (My heart is true/my love is all for you) – about a song for a girl – which, guess what – is this very song!
4. * Up-tempo – I like songs that have lyrics like “you touch that part of me that wants to shrivel up and die” This has a great cello/piano driven rhythm. 2:42
5. Down-tempo – quite folkish and stripped own – “Feel like shit” FCC. Nice cello and banjo – is cello ever bad?
6. * Down-tempo – starts off slow, then harrowing cello and piano come in on 2nd verse. Subdued, but immense electric guitar solo. I like the vein of depression here – “don’t you write me off” “Now I feel life’s dying” “there’s dirt on my sleeve.”
7. Mid-up-tempo – a sing-songy piano type lament – think Ben Folds. 4:53
8. Down-tempo – HIDDEN TRACK 1) guitar/cello – beautiful harmonica solo. 2) solo piano – quite good – dark minor key stuff.