Justin LevinsonPredetermined Fate
Independent
Out Now
1. Everything Is About You
2. Bandaid On A Bullet Wound
3. Losing You To Tennessee
4. Hopelessness
5. Myra's Song
6. Every Time You Learn Something
7. Groundhog Day
8. Soles Of Your Feet
9. Waiting For Someone To Love Me
10. Keep Your Heart Fulfilled
11. Sleep Child
'Predetermined Fate' is the third release from Vermont based singer/songwriter Justin Levinson. Winner of 'Best New Artist' at the 2008 International Acoustic Music Awards, Levinson's pop sensibilities and melodic songwriting shine through on this set of taut and radio friendly country-leaning songs. The warm, acoustic led arrangements would likely find favor with fans of Nickel Creek and The Avett Brothers.
From the kiss-off candor of opening track 'Everything's About You' to the lovelorn 'Losing You To Tennessee', the album moves along at a sprightly pace, stopping occasionally to dwell on life's broken hearts and disappointments but always looking forward down the highway. A feeling of restlessness and wanderlust permeates the lyrics; searching for meaning in life, with time all the while fleeting. It is a theme that comes to a head on the album's finale, the moving lullaby 'Sleep Child'.
The musicianship is stellar, bolstered by Sneaky Pete Kleinow style country-rock slide guitar on strong tunes like 'Keep Your Heart Fulfilled' and the album's biggest ear-worm, 'Bandaid On A Bullet Wound'. Female harmonies are also used to great effect on both the latter, and the sweetly affecting 'Soles Of Your Feet'. Justin's earnest and sincere vocals (comparable to The Crimea's Mr Croln, albeit less erratic) add charm and vulnerability throughout.
It's a gentle, - perhaps too gentle for some tastes - unassuming album, but given the chance, it's charms reveal themselves further with repeated listening.
- Michael
For more information visit www.justinlevinson.com
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