Mack Starks attributes the underlying tension of Blind Spot to "our hero" who "is paranoid that the one he loves is lurking in that place of mystery. Because not all of her is seen, he doesn`t really know what her intentions are." That feeling comes through well enough on Blind Spot, but it`s coated with sprinkles of rock sugar. This 10-song set was crafted along with fellow Nashvillian Neilson Hubbard, who handles the guitars, keys, loops and backing vocals, as well as co-writing half of the tunes with Starks. There`s also a track co-written with Dire Straits co-founder David Knopfler and a Neil Young tune ("Depression Blues") for good measure. Starks sings with a Jeff Tweedy-like weariness/coarseness, and on the opening title track it seems a most notable comparison. The music shares a bit of Wilco`s penchant for baroque infused roots pop while mostly sustaining a hushed and breezy hopefulness, ala Josh Rouse. But Starks has his own thing for sure and we urge you not to let this one get lost in your rear-view mirror. (self-released)
