Anna O. - Comin’ Home (Sunshine Drenchy Records)
It’s no mystery where Anna O. is coming from. She’s cut from the same cloth as Lucinda Williams, Jolie Holland and Eilen Jewell. Indeed, she’s a country singer-songwriter at heart, but can find no reason not to turn up the guitars and rock a little. “Comin’ Home” is her fourth album, and comes after a four year hiatus. Whatever the reasons for the layoff, she sounds urgent and vital on this eleven-track collection.

Opening track “All My Sorrows” sets the scene in some style as she tells her tale of love gone wrong. It’s followed by the title track, the subject remains love and its challenges, but with more positives. “Day Of The Dead” might be my favourite. It’s pure Americana, with a nod to Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers and Son Volt, and the vocal is sublime.

If you were a fan of Anna’s earlier records, or any of the artists I’ve mentioned above, then you shouldn’t hesitate to track this one down. Anna O. is a gifted singer and songwriter, and deserves your attention.
www.annaomusic.com

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