Vanish Valley: Get Good

Three notes into this record and you already know that Andrew McAllister (ex-Conrad Ford) is a major songwriting talent. With an ability to compose simple but well-orchestrated pieces, you understand that this is material born of experience — both trying and triumphant but all of it decidedly real. “Country Flowers”, “Races” and “Stuck In L.A.” emerge as first time favorites but others, such as “Brick Buildings”, “The Bottom” and “Stumbling Man” quickly win the listener over on second (and repeated) listening. Joined by bassist Guy Christiano, keyboardist Alex Owen, and drummer Daniel Goldblatt, McAllister has delivered a highly memorable record that makes it difficult to wait for more.