Maryland-based singer/songwriter Courtney Dowe channels a steady stream of influences on her beautiful debut album, Accomplice. With her dynamic voice and an acoustic guitar to the fore across the album, it may seem hard for Dowe to distinguish herself with such ubiquitous tools. Yet, songs like "Dancer Blue" and "Might" really stand out and it makes for an affecting and un-cliched album. "If I Had Wings" is a truly beautiful and spiritual song, almost gospel at times and with only the faintest of backing from guitar and organ. "Yona" also captures that epic balladeering vibe as well, while the album ends as it starts, with just Dowe and a guitar on "Siddhi". Mellow and chilled, but with a lot of soul and heart at the same time, Accomplice is a worthwhile debut that'll reward listeners time and time again.

---

---