Russ Aimz
Cruze
Self-released

The passionate strains of "The Grampians Song" opens Russ Aimz' debut confidently. His earthy voice and the soaring strings work well together. Aimz, an Australian singer makes music that has me thinking of other bands from that country. I'm hoping it's not all prejudice on my part. "Melt" recalls the Go-Betweens literate jangle, and its exuberance is all its own. Aimz is clearly capable of making hopeful songs without being too sentimental. "Victoria" is gorgeous and epic and rhymes the title with 'euphoria' just because it can.

"If I Give" has a message but exhibits enough self-doubt too not become too preachy. "If I give to others will there be anything left for me" ponders the narrator. The anthemic chorus and the use of strings work well here. A version of Fleetwood Mac's "Gypsy" closes the record nicely. This is a very nice debut.