Over The Rhine: Ohio

Reviewed by GRAHAM REID

Herald rating: * * * *

An ambitious double-disc by singer-songwriter Karin Bergquist and husband/co-writer, guitarist/keyboard player Linford Detweiler, whose confusing group name refers to their neighbourhood in Cincinnati. But they sing from the urban American heartland where pedal steel guitars conjure up long drives across flatlands or midnight cruises through deserted, Edward Hopper streets. A previous OtR album was titled Films for Radio, and that's what they create, whether they be in the manner of a pop-country Sheryl Crow, like a jaded and downbeat mid-period Tom Petty, and the Cowboy Junkies with a blood transfusion. These are acoustic-framed, thoroughly crafted alt.country songs where angels and demons haunt the lyrics alongside the ghost of Elvis and Jesus in New Orleans. In fact, Jesus' blood soaks these songs.

It is evocative if not entirely original Americana: stylistic references include Melissa Etheridge, Sarah McLaughlin, Lucinda Williams, Tom Waits and Rickie Lee Jones on the engrossing piano-driven title track. But it is thoroughly appealing, and within the narrow framework they offer differing arrangements which keep interest high and prove that the ambition of two discs is well within their grasp.

A slow grower coming into the light.

(Virgin)