Soulful and engaging, the third offering by Athens-based singer-songwriter Liz Durrett, Outside Our Gates, is the perfect late summer album. Gentle vocals on tracks such as "You Live Alone" encompass the melancholy of the changing seasons but bypass the often tempting outburst of angst. In a musical environment dominated by the female guitarist-slash-vocalist-slash-pianist, Durrett rises above the rest with inspired lyrics and a powerful, yet not overwhelming, sound. While creating her own entirely distinctive identity, Durrett mirrors the timbre of Feist and the whimsy of Regina Spektor. However, where the others use well-produced guitar riffs and sweet piano solos to heighten their appeal, Durrett uses her guitar sparingly, softly picking simple accent tunes. Outside Our Gates demands repeat listening, if only to uncover the mystery behind the often cryptic narrative laid ot on tracks such as "Wild as Them" and "Not Running." There's enough curious lyrics to keep you busy while the leaves are changing - and Durrett's hungry, husky voice is the perfect complement to warm, lazy days and cool, long nights.
--Gretchen Gaskill [August 27, 2008]
