Destination Unknown
The debut release by this Canadian duo could easily have been billed as the latest from Ron Sexsmith, who writes all the material here and sings all the leads. Yet the harmonies of producer Don Kerr, a frequent Sexsmith sideman, are more than background vocals, as the two strive for a brotherly blend reminiscent of the Everlys and the Louvins. The arrangements are largely acoustic, the melodies often folkish, from the mandolin-driven "Listen" that opens the CD through the country strains of "Reacquainted." Poppier fare such as the dreamy "Chasing Forever" and "Counting on Time" pay homage to the brothers Davies of the Kinks, whose reveries of sunny days and village greens find kindred spirits here. Few can match Sexsmith for melancholy, and the lovesick "Only Me" reflects his bittersweet best.--Don McLeese