I like an album with a concept behind it and Tori Sparks' new release adopts the concept of a double EP ("Until Morning/Come Out Of The Dark") instead of being merely (merely?) an album. Now that might well have been a recipe for disaster in less assured hands but the lady pulls it off here.
Taking the "Until Morning" EP first, you have to be impressed by the surefootedness that Ms Sparks demonstrates as she struts her way through her songs. "Rain (The Widow)" isn't as brutal as say a Cathy Jean song but equally you know that the sugar free ways of the world have been read and understood. "Until Morning", on the other hand highlights an understanding of mainstream sentimentality that must surely equate with popular appeal and, as if to back that assertion up, Ms Sparks then undertakes an eloquent reading of the standard "Quizás, Quizás, Quizás".
"Come Out Of The Dark" shifts her approach towards the oft maligned Americana genre. Adding a twang to her voice, Ms Sparks again evokes the self same mainstream sentimentality that she demonstrated on the other EP in this set. That said, "Tennessee Line", nevertheless eschews the saccharine Nashville outlook for the bleak sense of purpose previously found in such melodramatic classics like Nancy & Lee's "Elusive Dreams". Similarly, "There Is An Ocean" throws its hat in the ring as the kind of power ballad that U2 would do if they ever went country and sort of shifting things into country reverse is the duet "Letter To A Wretch #2" whose underlying message would no doubt have left Barbara Mandrell and Lee Greenwood somewhat confused.
"Until Morning/Come Out Of The Dark" is a mature and carefully assembled album that is easy on the ear yet has more than enough substance to justify a long term place in your affections.