Review:

on 2011-09-05 Bertman Said:

Part of it All is full of the light, artful sounds of airy guitars and breathy music. Kris Gruen has cultivated a sweet sounding collection of songs which could have easily wandered into the repetitive territory of many singer songwriters. Instead, he's worked the songs with an even hand, adding musical colors as needed.



This minimalist approach adds emphasis to the lyrics and harmonies, allowing them to breathe on the often fragile sounding audio landscape he's created. Gruen's voice is hopeful and nimble as he waxes poetic with some exceptional songwriting. One often gets the feeling Gruen has an expansive view of the world but is content to indulge in simpler pleasures.



Red Doors is nostalgic without ever being saccharine; just a moment to look back and revel in his memories. The rhythm shuffles like feet through dried leaves, in no hurry to catch up with the present.



Euphoria laments the missteps of a relationship, and how nothing quite seems to ease the ache of loss. Where did we go so wrong? he voice rises and quavers, long enough to let you know it all still hurts.



A refined and mature collection of songs, this CD could easily move into your stereo and become an indispensible, constant part of your life before you know it.


Rating: 9/10