On NORTH SEA ECHOE’s debut album, the duo of Ray Alder and Jim Matheos embarks upon a fresh musical journey, showing the breadth and versatility of the acclaimed pair, along with a freshness that belies their long musical partnership. "We both still love making music and we really enjoy working together. There's a good amount of chemistry there, I think," Matheos concludes.

 The album has ten songs. “Open Book” is first. The opening tones are smooth, melodic, and calm, and Alder’s voice is so peaceful as well. The lyrics are thoughtful as well…”every day is an open book,” and “no matter how the words are written, every story has an end.” “Flowers in Decay” has a steady keyboard beat and a nifty little guitar melody that plays very well with the music. The vocal harmonies are quite pleasing as well, and so far, the band has established a smooth and sultry sound. “Unmoved” is a shorter song with a really lovely melody. The band can really move the listener with just a bit of sonority. This song is gorgeous, and the emotional impact huge.

 “Throwing Stones” rides the line between hope and despair so well, and a heavier bottom end thickens up the bottom end. “Empty” is a delicate offering at first, then segues into a heavy rocking song, where the music reflects the feeling of being empty, and lost. It’s a combination of despair and anger. “The Mission” has more sonority, with an energetic, electronic beat and Alder reaches into the upper ranges, with sweet vocal harmonies. “Where I’m From” is at the opposite end of the spectrum, with a slow, steady sound that smacks of sadness and regret. The song hangs in a mist of clouds, and stays there, partially hidden.

 “We Move Around the Sun” comes out of the gate with a bright, emotional sound. Both the melody in the guitars and the harmonies in the vocals are very catchy, while at the same time, tug at the listener’s heart. “Touch the Sky” is another heavily emotional song, and the band is able to really say a lot without much sonority in the music. “No Maps” closes the album. It mostly just poignant tinged vocals that take the listener on a ride…”there are no maps where I’m going, follow my own path ahead without care…maybe I’m already there.” This album is so unassuming but emotionally impactful at the same time, and as I mentioned above, the duo of Alder and Matheos is able to say so much with so little sonority. That is the mark of truly exceptional songwriting.