Grant Campbell - Beyond Below

Tomorrow we'll be far away / Drag our dreams into another day, Grant Campbell promises on his album opener Bowery Beat, and you can't help but want to go with him, even if you feel you never can. This album hints at tragedy, of times more bad than good, but always with a sense that everything will be alright the next morning. On his second release, Campbell has hit something of a modern benchmark that many singer-songwriters can only aspire to. Like that first Sunday morning cup of coffee, his voice is rich and enveloping, while his melodies are soft and bitter. Campbell is utterly convincing in his craft; his is a voice that draws you in, entices you to listen, and leaves you hanging on every word. Postcards From Nowhere, his debut, garnered critical acclaim despite limited release, and it can only be hoped that Beyond Below carries this troubadour up and beyond. [Neal Parsons]