This is a deep, slow burning set of songs that is given here by this new artist.

Along the tortuous path leading to the final track, a few gems shine with a dim, but precious light. This is folk music all the way through, but the trip is full of deceptive directions, looming more clearly after each listen.

Opener "Gardener" is an upbeat blues track and immediately sets the scene. A damp guitar chord and Joanne Robertson?s soft, slightly echoed voice make up for an oppressive, impressive intro. As someone previously before her, Joanne seems to wonder what the community will think. This is a feeling that will last long.

"Lit," the second song, is an immediate highlight. Backed with a ragga-esque guitar rhythm and sound treatment, thickened by the vaporous presence of a distant organ, the track slowly gains momentum and offers a beautiful final. As on track 5, "Blow," the mix adds up to the ethereal, nearly ceremonial atmosphere. Mics certainly placed at a remote distance from the guitar (but I?m no specialist ? David Cunnigham, the album producer, should have his say here), the singer?s cotton-mouth voice resonates like in a chapel. This is another beautiful track, nicely structured, but the listener wants something to go astray now, doesn?t he? After all, this is on Textile records!

This is going to happen, out-of-the blue, at the corner of verses ? like on "Stovepipe." Starting with a straightforward bluesy riff, the structure slowly evaporates, stepping gently off and on the tracks. We?re not dealing with an impressive experimental piece of stuff here ? Joanne Robertson just excels at instilling vampire kisses here and there, making the listening experience sensual and surprising.

This is certainly the strongest appeal to that accomplished debut. Deceptively raw and simple, the songs implode or bloom thanks to both the singer?s uncommon presence and a remarkable work on the mix. ?Unknown Pleasure?, recorded by Joy Division 30 years ago, was placed under the same mantra. 8/10 -- Jean-Marc Antuszewicz (4 February, 2008)