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Written by Kevin Renick Wednesday, 12 December 2007 13:48

Schrock's a decent singer and several of her previous albums were well received, but I just don't think there's much depth to this new collection.

Sometimes you can admire an album's craftsmanship and sincerity, but it somehow fails to move you. Maine-bred songwriter Kate Schrock's latest, Invocation, was like that for me, even after several listens. Schrock's a decent singer and several of her previous albums were well received, but I just don't think there's much depth to this new collection.

The best songs are probably "I'll Remember You" (an unexpected Dylan cover) and "Carolina Hurricane," both of which have a genuine sense of melancholy and more nuanced vocals. And "Home" has more sonic heft than expected, owing to the airy flute and insistent drums—although the track almost sounds like a different artist. But some of Schrock's other songs, like "Water's Edge" and "Soul in U" are bereft of any interesting ingredients—there's no discernible edge. And "Message to Babylon" is one of those cloying songs that couches the theme of injustice in the world in music too bland to put across the message—not a good thing. "I see the sacrifice we need to make/ It's a time for justice a time for clarity/ Now's not the time for mistakes," Schrock implores us.

Yeah, a little sacrifice is definitely called for, Kate, m'dear. And you can start by working up a little more passion next time, and singing your tunes like you care whether you reach the listener's heart or not... C+ | Kevin Renick

RIYL: Tori Amos, Aimee Mann, Jane Siberry's shorter songs