File Under: Folk/Rock rating: B+ tracks 1. Still Dream 2. Song 3. Indian Summer Takedown 4. Blackbird Fields 5. Blue Flowers On The Highway 6. The Drunkard's Wish 7. Difference 8. Anything From Now 9. Down The Street 10. Green Eyed Stars 11. Sister and the Chrome Waves 12. I Don't Want 13. Let It All Come Down 14. Broken Song 15. Murder Crow related links Varnaline

Anders Parker, the man behind Varnaline, creates a beautifully layered album despite doing almost all the tracks by himself.

The songs on this album come from Folk to Rock to Alt. Country and never miss a beat. Parker has a talent of keeping the sound of his songs progressing. Rarely does the listener find a moment of boredom with this recording.

The album is encased between the beautiful, subtle sounds of 'Still Dream' and 'Murder Crow.' "I Still Dream." It's a simple line, but something that is missing from so many people's lives. This song definitely grabs you even if it's just for a second.

The next track, 'Song' is a dirty electric song. The guitar leads give it a Modest Mouse-ish sound, which is quite unique. Anders' voice blends in with his songs well. The music is very fluid. Anders doesn't allow a single genre to grab his attention, instead he explores the sounds of various moods.

'Blue Flowers on the Highway' is one of the songs Anders crafted beautifully to hook a listener in. The slide guitar track is provides an agreeable hook that becomes the mood. The layering of instruments on this album definitely brings the songs together. The impressive part of this album is that most instruments are played by Parker himself.

You can't help but fall in love with this album after the first listen. Smart, recognizable songs with beautiful, flowing melodies. When a vision is captured and performed by the dreamer, everything falls into place perfectly.

Samuel Barker is Senior Editor. Contact him at suma@rockzone.com.