Crucible Remnants draws you inside the magnificent rabbit warren that is Andrew Jackson’s imagination, entices you into the odd recesses of his thoughts and finally drops you down the hole where it gets progressively curioser the farther you fall. There’s strange stuff on the walls as you tumble past, and you’re dying for a closer look, a better listen. Traveling from song to song, you’re on a ride that weaves through light and dark like sun flashing through leaves. 

Andrew Jackson opens his inner sketchbook for us, a spiral-bound volume full of the lovely, twisted absurdities of life as he experiences it. We’re invited to have a look, have a listen, to go hand in hand with the artist as he turns the pages. 

As much as I like this album at the moment, I expect to have it grow on me as time goes by. That always happens to me with Andrew Jackson’s music. Rick Cuevas collaborated on many of the tracks of Crucible Remnants, and the same mojo they share as the band Zru Vogue is also evident in this album. The meant-to-be melding of their voices and instruments is always a joy to behold. 

For the moment, I am stuck on: The Space between Us, The Knife, Pretty on the Inside, Liberty or Love, Not Worried, ...And If So Why?, The Aftermath. Buy the CD. Listen. Be pretty – inside and out.
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