Salvation

Coalescing around lead singer/writer/guitarist Christina Schlieske, Salvation is the major-label debut for the Minneapolis-based, roots rock quintet. The pop sensibilities of producer Paul Fox are apparent from the ear-catching opener, "I Play That Fool." Schlieske is a brash vocalist capable of a wide emotional range. The music is a folk/rock blend and the band is willing to color the songs with things like the girl group "shoop shoops" on the R&B-flavored "Matter of Time." It all makes Salvation captivating, be it the country-rock of "Run to Stay" or the more grinding guitars of "Lullaby." Highlights are the traditional sounding country ballad "Tonite" (which it is easy to hear k.d. lang performing) and "Million Miles Away," featuring Schlieske's yearning lyrics and rousing, soulful background harmonies. Tina and the B-Side Movement manage to incorporate an array of influences into their songs (and quite well, at that), making Salvation a richly rewarding and impressive collection.