For our second album, we wanted to make a record with strong songwriting and a variety of styles and sounds that would encourage repeat listening. We went to the studio with the cream of our songs and invited some of the best musicians we know to add their flavors to the mix.
Dena El Saffar, from the Middle Eastern band Salaam, lends her Eastern violin sounds to the Western tune You Got Me Cryin' and a haunting viola track to the spiritual exploration of No Salvation.
Saxophonists Joe Donnelly and Chris Kinnick add a punch to the punk-powered Photographic Life and a mellow groove to the soulful duet You're My Song.
Keyboard virtuoso Slats Klug injects Dixieland piano into the title track, swirling organ to the bluesy Better off Left Alone, and rocking piano to the anti-war The Last of Me.
Additionally, Duncan Waterford plays mandolin on Don't Want Your Money and Nothing to Be Sorry For, and Annie Bartlett adds foot percussion to the title track.
The core band is at its best on the blues-rock My Heart Is Cold, with tight vocals, beefy guitars, and a saucy lyrical duet. Opium River is another standout, with driving guitars, lead vocals by Shaun, and backing vocals by former band member Paige Talbert.
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