It begins with the gentle strum and piano that brings “Just You” to life on The Milk and Honey Band’s newest album “Dog Eared Moonlight.” The band’s pastoral sound has more in common with Alan Parsons or Nick Drake than Andy Partridge in this sophomore LP. The XTC influence is still there, but pushed to the back a bit. Guitarist and singer Robert White brings some muscle to the guitar heavy treat “Waste Of Time” as the light pop motifs give way to a more intense sound. The wonderful ballad “Maryfaith Autumn” brings forth rich imagery in both the lyrics and sound, with the rhythmic piano resembling the patter of raindrops. “Absolutely Wrong” is full of that gorgeous English styled jangle and backing vocal harmonies. The middle of the album sags a little under the emotional weight of country folk “No World At All” and “Disappear.” But, the long country ballad “Cut The Line,” is an epic with amazingly smart chord changes. You don’t expect such hooks on a low key song and that’s what makes this release a great one. Robert mentioned “I was intent that it feature a mixture of styles, I always liked that on records by artists I love like The Beatles. Look at Revolver or Sgt. Pepper or The White Album – so diverse, loud stuff mixed amongst acoustic. No rules as long as it all flows together.” And flow this album does. Highly recommended for sure.
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