VizzTone artist always had a spiced up soulful edge, and D. A. Foster is no exception. Feeding of electing influences Foster cooks up a stew of blues, soul and R&B. And it's a gourmet like feast for the senses.

The album is a visceral collage of textures and traditional flavours, but that's not to say it's a mess. In fact definite equanimity is displayed as Foster weaves through the music with a sure and steady step. Also the strength of the material obviously helps, especially when capturing the emotion drenched swagger of the Foster's spiritual forefather Bobby Bland. Sure enough, the man's take on "This Time I'm Gonne For Good" shows he's got both the skill and passion with which to meet the challenge.

"We All Fall Down" is all horns and slithery blues guitar coiling around Foster's voice at its sinister best. The funky brawl of "I Ain't Doing Too Bad", with spluttering organ and funky bass, is not to be missed either. Or the nasty prowler "I Need A Good Woman Bad", splashing menace and devilry all around. There are more discreet moments too, as with the slightly square "You Just Can't Smile It Away" and the blue eyed soul of "Good Man Bad Thing", just to remind you how smartly Foster balances melody with anguish and calm.

8 out of 10