Music Review: Miles Calder and the Rumours

New Zealand's Miles Calder and the Rumours formed in late 2011.

Their self-titled album has just been released, following The Crossing Over EP which shipped in late 2013.

Enjoying a few hearty spins, this album is set to be a firm fav in my collection.

With its heart firmly set in rhythmic Americana and folky tones, Miles Calder and the Rumours also instill a fine depth into their self-penned songs.

With more than a hint of Ryan Adams in his vocal, Calder is a confident singer with an aching and assured approach.

His harmony, especially with Kirsten Moodie hits the perfect balance and with nifty touches of harmonica and swirling hammond organ, the recipe is cooking hot for heartfelt songs.

Early highlight Sad Songs reveals a strength in feel and arrangement.

Lead off song Under An Endless Sky is a fine intro into this expressive journey. It tells a fine tale with Calder revealing ... Got me to wonder what makes a man real, the truth he shares or the one he conceals.

Even within lighter tones, this band sound very much alive especially on Shadows and the very tasty You'll See Me.

For a reflective nod, Cold Winds eats at your emotion while The Sea is yet another aching ballad and shows off the pure strengths of Calder's vocal and Moodie's soothing harmony.

From the rousing Goodbye and Good Luck to the lyrical Heal In Time, Miles Calder is a rich find and memorably rewarding.