Ian Moore,
Luminaria

Label: Yep Roc Records
Year: 2004

(4½ out of 5)

Ian Moore's Luminaria is simply sublime. The delicate lyrics rival the best from Jeff Tweedy, and Moore's peerless musicianship masterfully blends ethereal alt.country and subtle blues.

When he burst onto the Austin music scene in the early 90s, critics pegged Moore as a contender for the blues/rock crown vacated by Stevie Ray Vaughan. While he may have had the flowing locks and guitar licks to match SRV, the musical interests of this violinist-turned-guitarist stretched across genres. Constant touring with the likes of Joe Ely, the Rolling Stones, and ZZ Top helped Moore to continually reshape his sound.

Now, a dozen years after his self-titled debut, one can hardly detect a trace of that original blues/rock sound. But the blues still make their presence felt in the existential angst that permeates the album.

"What I've Done" starts things off on a mellow note, with simple guitar chords and percussion framing a statement of private regret. Whereas Moore's voice nears falsetto on "What I've Done," it soars through that high-tone range on "Caroline," the 7-minute rumination on faded beauty that is the album's unequivocal masterpiece.

It may not be Gabriel's trumpets, but the horns on "New Day" signal a corner turned thanks to short-lived, love-inspired positivism. That theme continues, but not without struggle, on "April." "Kangaroo Lake" finds love a thing of the past, with the future nothing but uncertainty.

"Abilene" marks the album's emotional nadir, with a haunting darkness that echoes Moore's blues/rock roots. Trembling steel guitar ushers in "Ordinary People," which offers a brief respite from the madness thanks to a sarcastic take on Paris Hilton-esque beauties. "Cinnamon" takes us back into the darkness with menacing, drunken carnality. "Bastards" offers the closest thing on Lumunaria to a throw-away song.

The album ends with two stellar compositions. "Sir Robert Scott" offers a devastating portrait of the failed Antarctic explorer with powerful, near-anthemic refrains of doubt and despair. "Susan" portrays love extending just out of reach, set to Moore's gorgeous acoustic guitar picking.

Luminaria has kept me company through some dark times the past couple weeks. I can tell you from experience: it's the perfect counterpart to your moody blues.

Buy: Lone Star Music, Amazon

March 8, 2005