Jim Ward
In The Valley, On The Shores

I knew absolutely nothing about Jim Ward. I found out from the Internet that he was the guitarist for At The Drive In, then for Sparta, and that after leaving behind the post-hardcore outbursts of previous years, he is now focusing, as they say, on his solo career. So far, he hasn't gone beyond a few EPs (he has three planned), and this "In The Valley, On The Shores," released in 2009 by Tembloroso, is his second work.

Folk with strong country veins, a pinch of blues, and a good dose of melody, perhaps too much at times. Simple music, between the strings of an acoustic guitar and a room with a large window. Just 15 minutes that resonate with America to the core.

Nothing extraordinary, of course, but don't expect much from these five songs; rather, take them as a pause, a break under an eave during a downpour.

If you have a quarter of an hour free, remember this EP. Maybe on those shores, you'll feel at ease and want to return.