MIRANDA STONE 7 Deadly Sins (Earthdress) Rating: NN Rating: NN
It’s clear from the thank-yous to the Holy Trinity, biblical quotes and holy roller lyrics that Miranda Stone’s third disc leans toward a Christian rock tip, which always makes me slightly itchy. Luckily, she goes for a vibe that’s more abstractly spiritual than proselytizing, waxing poetic about forgiveness and the transcendental details of everyday life. 7 Deadly Sins has a comfortable Indigo Girly roots-folk ethos, with Hammond organs that add grit to the bar-rock numbers and sappier tunes souped up by Erin Beck’s keening violin. Stone wavers between Amanda Marshall attitude and Dar Williams dorky charm but never decides on a clear persona — the result is an album that’s pleasant but not a standout. Miranda Stone launches 7 Deadly Sins at the Rivoli tonight (Thursday, February 20).