Millpond Moon
Album: Time To Turn The Tide
Label: Tikopia
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.millpondmoon.com

Billed as an "americana songwriter duo", Kjersti Misje (vocals, guitar) and Rune Hauge (vocals, guitar, dobro) hail, unlikely as it may seem, from Norway. "Time To Turn The Tide" is the duos follow up to 2012's critically acclaimed debut "Broke In Brooklyn", and on these 'transatlantic sessions from Norway', they have invited various Norwegian and American jazz and bluegrass mu-sicians to play on the album.

Not being one familiar with the Millpond Moon sound, opening number "Forever Young" (yes another Mr Dylan classic!) is a safe bet. Of course it's a tough song to take on, especially when Audra Mae pretty much nailed the definitive version for the Sons Of Anarchy sound track, but it's in-stantly recognizable and they put their own gratifying spin on the track, giving it an almost flamenco-type feel as Kjersti and Rune trade verses alongside some lovely fiddle and beautiful harmonies.

Self-Written title track "Time To Turn The Tide" follows pretty much in a similar vein, with a relaxed jazzy bluegrass atmosphere permeating the general groove of the song. However, it's from here on in that the album, for me, becomes a little too laid back for it's own good.

A lazy, suave jazz feel creeps into songs such as "Kitty Cat" and "Lena Baker", and although it's pleasant enough listening, and all very well played, there is no spark there. Where is the excitement? Where are the rough edges?

The slower tracks like "My Father Used To Say" and "Modi" are again well written songs, but don't really come to life in the context of the album and fail to lift the indolent mood.

Several listens in, and the album as a whole really doesn't cut it for me. There just isn't that light and shade that you'd expect from a well balanced release. One song flows into another without any discernible change of ambience or feel. It's almost as if it's been over-produced, with everything note perfect, crystal clear, and all the life taken from it, leaving what remains a little too sterile for my liking.

Ken Brown
www.squarerootspromotions.co.uk