Performer Magazine : The Musician's Resource

Chriss Sutherland
Worried Love

South Portland, ME
Recorded and mixed by Ron Harrity at New
Systems Laundry in Portland | Mastered by Jim
Begley at The Studio in Portland

Acoustic folk melodies have been a specialty for Chriss Sutherland for over a decade. His talent and passion for the genre continues to grow with the release of his second full-length album, Worried Love. With 10 intriguing tracks, Sutherland adds his personal touch to each in a unique way.

A catchy acoustic guitar tune begins the album in “Flaking the Hands.” Sutherland’s seasoned vocals harmonize peacefully with female backgrounds with agonizing passion. A slower inflection arises with the next track, “What Are We Gonna Do Now,” as a simple guitar riff mellows with deep, muffled vocal choruses.

A bit of Spanish flair surfaces with “Volando Voy,” including lyrics in Spanish with upbeat hits of the bongo and a tinge of electric guitar. These mesmerizing, yet lively foreign undertones continue with “Desde Alicante” and “El Tiempo.”

Sutherland digs deep, returning to folk roots with “My Mind Blues III,” allowing for truly sincere lyrics such as, “Insisting on a certain purity in my life.” Several mini verses end with a drawn-out emphasis on the last syllable. The track ends with a meticulous picking guitar solo.

“Without Much Time” plays the ballad role of sorts for this album. Aching vocals express a longing for love while blending of the guitar and piano encourages the pursuit. Traditional folk sounds personify Sutherland in the final track “Hey Justice,” while ending an all-inclusive album. Taking the listener from natural folk storytelling to excursions through Spain and back, this album offers a little something for everyone. (Peapod Recordings)
-Aimee Shea
myspace.com/chrisssutherland