The latest album by American songwriter Kris Delmhorst has been subject to multiple release dates in different markets; a situation increasingly blurred by digital availability and promotion, perhaps more so in the current climate where artists cannot coincide a release by travelling overseas to play shows to further promote the record. Whatever has been starting point for LONG DAY IN THE MILKY WAY the finishing post is always the same as this album is a winner from first play to the latest spin. The twelve tracks weave a spell of poetic artistry as every nook and cranny twists and turns with literary gems. True the listener gets worked, but the rewards plant the art of song writing on a supreme pedestal that is deserved, if not always appreciated.
The work of Kris Delmhorst is very reminiscent to that of Danny Schmidt in my book, albeit he lives in Texas, while she is a stalwart of the writing scene in America's far North-East. Trawl through the lyrics of both artists and you detect subtle patterns, chorus teasers alongside seismic hooks and diversions. The song structures are fascinating and you never lose sight that this album leads rather than follows a formulaic trait.
Of course Delmhorst is no novice and has a string of recordings stretching back over twenty years. It certainly helps when a sultry warm and reassuring vocal style delivers the songs. The package creates a magical and mystical experience, one that doesn't quite fit into any compartmentalised genre, although folk and the rather simplistic singer-songwriter spring up as closest matches.
I suppose all songwriters tend to respect their forebears and on this album Delmhorst opted to slot in a Ricky Lee Jones cover in 'The Horse', although there is a seamless flow throughout the forty-three minute listening time.
LONG DAY IN THE MILKY WAY, incidentally a line early in the opening track, is a prime example of seriously sophisticated songwriting of the highest order. The work of Kris Delmhorst toys with your intuition, but always meets an inquisitive listener halfway. It's class like this that makes you want to play a record many times over. Surely the biggest compliment an artist can get paid.