A longtime session musician and jack of all trades for various bands,
Neil Cleary strikes out on his own this time for a soothing and relaxing trip down a twangy roots rock highway. Whether formulaic in nature and structure as "When All of Us Get Famous" appears, the group is able to transmit an authenticity that it comes from the heart. Assisted by Fiona McBain during harmonies for "Nobody's Fool," the musician seems quite adept at doing less to reap greater benefits. The '60s dream pop intro on "Teenage Aspirations" has some hints of blues with a harmonica in the background, but it's a feel-good number, although far from amazing. The wry and sly portrait on "Your Next Move" is well done, discussing how things one hoped for didn't quite work out. "Hometown" follows the same idea but is a bit more reflective and sparse in instrumentation. Phrases such as "hairline fracture smile" are also used in tracks like "Oh, You," a sweet-sounding percussion-driven lullaby. But there are a few miscues within, whether it's the redundant and lengthy "Girls Who Love the East for San Francisco" or the moody yet bland "Automatic Blues." ~ Jason MacNeil