Songs From A Secret Room
Rushing River, 2025
9/10
Listen to Songs From A Secret Room
The multi-instrumentalist and singer Chris Rusin is now 3 years cancer free and that journey is reflected in these soulful and touching songs that recruit Katie Wise, John Paul Grigsby, Russick Smith, Shane Zweygardt and Andrew Berlin.
The rootsy mood of “Cinders” opens with Wise’s smooth harmony vocals and well timed dobro for the cautious climate, and “The Dark” follows with Smith’s graceful cello and Grigsby’s emotive upright bass that suits the powerful singing.
“Leave It In The Snow” lands in the middle and carries a timeless folk quality thanks to the eloquent guitar and poetic singing, while “Tossed Aside” embraces Wise’s elegant keys and voice amid Rusin’s soft voice that tugs on the heartstrings.
Close to the end, “The Longest Year” benefits from a string quartet in the Ukraine that complements the delicate voices, and “Fighting For” exits with vocals, antique piano and theremin for the sophisticated and touching finish.
An album of profound soul searching that touches on the human experience with much care, Rusin’s vision is one of poeticism, strength and tremendous beauty.
Travels well with: Sage Christie- Little Deaths; Leslie Jordan- The Agonist