THE INNOCENCE MISSION

My Room in the Trees

2010-08-20

Karen Peris likes the rain. Or at least she likes to sing about it. Of the 11 songs on this record that have lyrics (#9 and #12 are instrumentals), eight mention rain, raincoats or downpours. That theme describes the ambiance of this set -- softly-sung music that you'd listen to on a rainy day. Peris's voice is bit like Natalie Merchant's, but higher-pitched, and she has the same soothing cadence. Get your cup of tea, curl up with the cat and stare out as the rain shower washes gently over the backyard. Try "Rain," "Spring," "God is Love" and "Shout for Joy." Not a candidate for a "Red Hot Lunch" set, but don't dismiss this band as too wimpy to play. Sometimes, quiet is good. 08/10 Michael J.

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