Tommy and the Fallen Horses

Isolation is the New Party (Rythmethod)

Tommy Benefield is an honest and poetic songwriter and this album is sure to perk up anyone who is cynical about the talent of New Zealand songwriters.

Folk hunting for a mix of Americana, alt-country and indie-pop will be fulfilled. Benefield has put together 15 well-crafted songs with poetic lyrics, earthy vocals and the fullness of acoustic guitars, percussion, piano, organ, great harmonies and harmonica.

Tracks like Dead Poet and Take Tonight have the same feeling of time and space as Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska or Devils and Dust albums. Babe I'm Just Scared and Covenant Maker have a Dave Matthews vocal drama about them, while In The Middle of the Day is reminiscent of Neil Young's dishevelled early days. There is a true originality and heartfelt meaning to these songs, which shines through in Houston and Cushions - the catchiest song by far, with its clever melodies, soulful harmonies and odd lyrics.

Best Tracks: Houston, Cushions.

• Reviews by Alice Cowdrey; CDs for review supplied by Everyman Records, Nelson. 

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