owl&bear

2008, Self-released

Australian folk singer Tom Bolton is a formidable guitarist who writes romantic/poetic lyrics occasionally reminiscent of later-era Sting.

“Sensible Tom” is actually probably better than later-era Sting. After some mellowness, the album picks up with “Whose Army,” a more rocking track than most of what is on When I Cross The River. “Hey You, Yeah You” is another highlight, and contains a mix of Beatles-esque composition, acoustic power chords, and handful of “Hey you, yeah you”-s. “All I Can Do” is Harrison-esque and pretty cool.

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