This Dream Called Life

Steve Woodhams' second album once again features acoustic alternative rock and folk with lyrics revolving around a sad relationship life. Woodhams has a sound that sounds like Freedy Johnston filtered through the Judybats, giving his mellow songs a bit of a country sound that helps them out immensely. But despite the quality of the sound, the songs never quite overcome their own production. His music is just not quite as memorable or catchy to pull off the lush arrangements surrounding the hushed vocals. Certain songs do take on a smooth '70s folk feel, and a good example of this is the beautiful "All Those Little Places." And the Judybats resemblance also works for his music, especially on songs like "Every Emotion," which sounds like it could fit perfectly onto Down in the Shacks Where the Satellite Dishes Grow. But, overall, this album does not maintain interest enough to keep it from dragging in spots. Woodhams has a lot of talent, but this is not an album that can translate well to a larger audience.