From The Campfire Song (feat Alan Pigram) all the way to Happy (feat The Little Pilgrims) this album satisfies from the first to the last.
Kasey Chambers has never denied her Australian country roots and here the link is further defined by the language and personal experiences from her and her contributors. US country (via Emmylou Harris) is also strongly displayed on The Harvest & The Seed, and there's a nod to the Chambers legacy itself with This Little Chicken feat Bill Chambers (listed simply as "My Dad" on the sleeve).
In less accomplished hands the themes and sounds - classic banjo, harp and gospel - would be in real danger of sounding stale, but Chambers leads with strength and mastery. Highlights include the direct Abraham, the soaring harmony of Early Grave, the call and response of Big Fish, the grunt of Now That You've Gone and infectious The Campfire Song. Little moments of chatter like the intro to Junkyard Man also prove that making this music seems to be as joyful an experience as it is to hear.
A great Australian storyteller and collaborator - Chambers is a deadset legend who continues to just get better.
