*** Darden Smith

DEEP FANTASTIC BLUE

(Plump)

More soulful and intimate than 1993's critically acclaimed Little Victories, Austin singer/songwriter Darden Smith's latest is another winning collection of state-of-the-art folk pop. Lines like "I'm not a kid anymore" and "Now I'm older, looking over my shoulder" hint at Smith's concerns here, which include growing up, making changes, and leaving the past behind. And in his juxtaposition of religious imagery ("Drowning Man") and earthly concerns ("Skin"), as well as in his plainspoken vocals, he recalls Bruce Cockburn at his best.

Producer Stewart Lerman (Sophie B. Hawkins, Laurie Anderson, the Roches) complements Smith's melodies with the snakelike twin guitars of Richard Kennedy and Stuart Smith and the fluid, versatile rhythms laid down by bassist Graham Maby and drummer Stanley John Mitchell. "Skin" is a sensual, folk-soul groove; "Silver and Gold" is a suggestive slice of noir-ish folk-pop -- think Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" via Chris Isaak. Although all 10 songs aren't fantastic, they dig deep, and they're definitely tinted blue.

-- Seth Rogovoy

(Darden Smith performs with Boo Hewerdine this Wednesday, October 16, at Johnny D's.)