As with recent work by Rumer, the eighth album from this US-based Welsh singer-songwriter conjures up a mood that goes right back to the West Coast US troubadours of the 1970s. In fact Owen’s band members have a direct link to that time, having between them played on classic works from that era by the likes of Joni Mitchell, Carol King and James Taylor. It is the latter two artists in particular that are stylistically recalled in these cathartic musings on personal loss and love. In relation to Carol King, Ebb and Flow is more evocative of the warm yet fairly forgettable offerings on King’s Rhymes and Reasons than the standout gems on Tapestry.
3 stars
