Artist: Damond Moodie

CD: Fishin' For Words

Home: Oakland, CA

Style: Acoustic Soul

Quote: "Throughout the CD, Moodie's passion and conviction in his music shine through".

By Eric Roberson

A lot of times when reviewing an artist, the artist will have a tendency to self-define their music in ways they think will sound interesting or cool, as opposed to defining it as it actually sounds. That is not the case with Damond Moodie?s debut album, Fishin? For Words. Promoted as "alternative acoustic soul", that is exactly what the thirteen tracks on the CD deliver.

Throughout the CD, Moodie?s passion and conviction in his music shine through. Some of the songs are catchy, some not so much, but all of them are heartfelt. This is soulful storytelling, whether it is backed by a simple intimate guitar as in the album?s final track "Legacy", or given a full instrumental backing as in the title track. Moodie, who is a teacher by day, generally eschews intellectual or political topics and instead sings about the simple, personal themes of love and faith. There are a few songs that feel a little forced and preachy, but by far the majority impress as deeply personal expressions of love and conviction.

This is a soul album. Acoustic? Often. Alternative for being acoustic? Yes. But at its essence this is heartfelt and personal music dealing with eternal themes ? music with soul.

www.damondmoodie.com