Artist:   Alathea
Label:   Rocketown Records

Hailing from rural East Tennessee, Alathea (pronounced uh-LAY-thee-uh) brings its own brand of hillbilly pop to the singer/songwriter haven of Rocketown Records.  What Light Is All About is actually the third release for this trio; they’ve been touring the highways and byways of the United States for five years now.

Light has a rootsy, countrified pop feel.  Imagine the trio of Ashton/Becker/Dente collaborating with hippy-ish worship leaders Waterdeep, and you’ve got a pretty good idea of what this record sounds like.

Guitars, mandolins, harmonicas, a flute and even water bottles are utilized as instruments here.  The songs are well written, Michael Aukofer’s production is simple but pleasing, and the vocals are pleasantly innocent.  Standout tracks include “Faithful One” and “Emmanuel,” the latter of which would make a marvelous Christmas favorite.  Though lacking pop polish, Light is accessible enough to appeal to fans of such mainstream country/bluegrass successes as Alison Krauss and the O Brother Where Art Thou? soundtrack.

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