Land of Milk and Honey

counts herself among the cadre of who mix thoughtful lyrics and roots to create a heady combination of and music. Her vocal style, a quiet whisper with a gritty edge, adds a bit of depth to her musical vision, while her revolving door of musicians on lays down a relaxed foundation. , like other musical poets in the post-9/11 world, has serious things on her mind, and it's hard to imagine that a title like is meant to be read straight. gives the album an ominous start, with elliptical references to the Middle East, oil, and tax dollars going to God knows where. Unlike a number of left-leaning songwriters, seems content to never quite spell out what she means. a tryst without commitment, seems equally dark on the surface, and 's vocal recalls ' carnal confessions on . The difference, though, is that 's rhythm is infectious, and the band takes the song at such an upbeat pace that a tryst, while not love, is not bad. 's fans will find another solid effort by one sharp and incisive writer with a distinct voice. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford Jr.