Restoration

Album Review

Doria Roberts' vocal phrasings follow in the tradition of Ani Difranco but with a laid-back, soulfully smooth delivery taking the place of the latter's often aggressive, edgy temperament. She chooses a similarly fitting route for her songs, preferring to write more intimate, accessible pieces that speak of compassion and love on a personal level, though the leap to a wider interpretation is easy enough. Leading off this sophomore effort is "Perfect," an instantly memorable and uplifting tune about a love in its prime and the attempts to capture that moment forever. "Perfect" is one of those songs you want everyone to hear. A shoulda-coulda-woulda been hit that never was thanks to the odds stacked against independent releases. As the album is fairly barebones and acoustic, when the bass drum kicks in on the rocking title track you welcome its arrival. Throughout the offering, the mellow tones of cellist Okorie Johnson lend enough luscious countermelodies and step-out riffs that you will never notice the absence of the customary electric guitar solos. As a woman who writes, sings, and produces the songs, plays the gigs, and runs the label, Roberts somehow manages to wear all of her hats with grace and skill.