From the opening strains of the superbly recorded bouzouki and the unmistakable rich vocals that start 'Parasol Ants', it's obvious that this, Shindell's first collection of new songs in five years is going to demand your full attention.\n\nThe anticipation for a new disc has been high due to the strength of his previous work, where the combination of excellent guitar and vocals mix with vivid character led songs, and an unrivalled attention to detail and quality control. He is a real master of the art of building songs, and there are few who use words so effectively and efficiently to illuminate the stories and motivations around their characters' tales.\n\nRecorded in his now home city of Buenos Aires, he provides much of the backing himself including acoustic, 12-string, electric and bass guitars, as well as bouzouki and piano. The assembled musicians include Lucy Kaplansky, Lincoln Schliefer, Viktor Krauss, Sarah Milonovich and Brian Mitchell who all bring an array of talents to the songs.