Album Review: Gwyneth Moreland 'Cider'

-Tara

​After studying and working in Denver as a veterinary technician, singer-songwriter Gwyneth Moreland returned to her hometown of Mendocino finding inspiration for her latest album, Cider. Produced, engineered, and mixed by David Hayes (Van Morrison) and mastered by Karl Derfler (Tom Waits), Cider is a largely acoustic collection of ten tracks all written or co-written by Moreland and features Gene Parsons (The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers) on pedal steel on the title track and banjo on both “The California Zephyr” and “Danny Parker.”

Sweeping the listener off their feet with lead tune “Movin’ On” a harmonica-laden track with a swingin’ retro feel, the disc continues with the travelling theme on the airy “Broken Road” and searching for a love on “Little Bird” which reveals an often surprising “freedom in the pain” of losing someone.
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Highlighted by delicate strumming, the jazzy “Farmhouse” puts forth an old-time front porch feel; “Eloise” considers complicated emotions and “Your Smile” is lovingly romantic. The collection is rounded out by the title track and the spacious “Summer Song.” There’s nothing not to enjoy on Moreland’s Cider which immerses you in sweet harmonies, poignant lyricism and sweeping melodies. For more information visit HERE.

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