Those familiar with Beth Custer’s former band, the ethno-ambient Trance Mission, shouldn’t go into her solo debut expecting the same sort of experimental fusionary sound. In fact, judging from the opening track, “In the Broken Fields Where I Lie,” you’d almost think she was going for a Sarah McLachlan-like adult contemporary vibe, with accessible grooves and jazz-inflected pop vocals. The effect will prove unnerving for longtime fans, especially on the punkish anthem of “O, Fredonia,” which may have you desperately reaching for the skip button. But by the time you reach the Afro-Cuban jazz of “Lagrimas de Oro,” Custer’s quartet seems to have stumbled on a sound, fusing subtle world music influences with jazz, rock, and pop. The album doesn’t quite stand up to Trance Mission’s best work — Custer’s voice lacks the power and passion to drive some of the vocal tracks home — but songs like “Long Time Now” and “Rich Blanket of Love” show definite promise. – Bret Love
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