Susie Jones
Album: Shake Away The Devil
Label: Rubi
Tracks: 9
Website: http://www.susiejones.net

"Who the heck is Susie Jones?" The question fell into my hands. A slip of card with a QR code included with the CD. It links you to her website.

Susie Jones, so the bio goes, is a Lancashire based singer songwriter and "Shake Away The Devil" is her second album written over twelve months. All of the tracks are self-penned within the band which includes Rob Kentell (guitars, mandolin, banjo & synthesizer), Dave Parker (bass) with some tasteful Lap-steel from Matt Wells. Mark Whiteside completes the line up on drums. And we'll leave the blub at that point if we may.

What we have is a very accomplished album of richly structured Americana that resonates and rewards with repeated listening.

Songs that generate an atmosphere, that build a feeling, such as despair on failing relationships, the deeply dark opener "Walk Outside", crescendos of sounds that fill the emptiness as Susie implores "Don't Wait Up For Me".

The "Road Goes Dim" follows, insecurities, dreams to hold onto, hoping for change, for the one sure thing or perhaps think less and just search for someone to hold when the road goes dim.

And if that's bleak and it's not always what you wanted, it is honest and heartfelt and I can respect that. Seeing life through someone else's eyes, struggles to be overcome or at least faced with dignity.

It does cheer up "Indiana" a positive delight to look forward to albeit a temporary respite before the whimsically reflective "Kicking Up Dust".

Always steering the right side of maudlin, "Chances We Take" is the penultimate track before the almost hymnal "In The End" closes the album.

Powerful songs with a distinctive voice. "Who the heck is Susie Jones"? It's a question worth finding the answer to.

Ian Cripps