Didn’t It Rain

Songs: Ohia is basically Chicago-based songwriter (and friend of The Frames), Jason Molina, with a motley crew of musicians assembled specifically for the task in hand.

Didn’t It Rain sees the bandmaster create a subtle, sparse, mainly acoustic seven-song collection that is perfect late night listening fare. Trust me, I had this one playing in the car on the dark Friday night road from Carrick-on-Shannon to Cliffoney and it halved the journey and then some.

“If I see you struggle, I will not turn my back”, sings Molina on the amazing title track, a slow-glider if ever there was one: gentle acoustic strumming being joined by some fine tremolo tunesmithery and gospel-spiritual backing vocals courtesy of Jennie Benford and Jim Krewson. ‘Cross The Road, Molina’ builds a brooding majesty all of its own, while the simple, haunting refain of ‘Blue Factory Flame’ sounds like the saddest thing you’ll hear this side of a Will Oldham record.

Didn’t It Rain is a slow, often sombre beast, that doesn’t offer immediate sensory gratification. In fact, falling in love with this album is a gradual process, but one that is very much worth the effort.