Gretchen Peters’ Blackbirds is bookended by two songs of the same name. The opener is electric and confrontational, the closer a milder and softer reprise. Powered by Peters’ voice – lived-in, loaded, tainted with regret – the chorus of the opener is grandiose with a melody to pounce upon. It’s a fine doorway into this country-rock feast.

The music on each track is sublime, but the majesty of each song is Peters’ voice, stark and powerful. She brings a charm and effortless grace to her songs, and she remains in fine fettle as she edges towards her sixties. It’s a lovely record, with more than enough to deeply satisfy fans and critics.

To read this review in its entirety, view at at For Folk’s Sake.