Water & Guns

Best known in the Christian-music world as a producer and songwriter, Aaron Sprinkle has also distinguished himself as a singer/songwriter and collaborator with the band Fair. Water & Guns finds him returning to solo recording with a batch of tunes noteworthy for their poetic, spiritually insightful lyrics and eclectic production approach. Much like Charlie Peacock or Todd Rundgren, Sprinkle can combine an introspective, somewhat quirky bent with a natural flair for pop accessibility. God is a constant presence in his music, though touched upon indirectly at times. A yearning pilgrim’s outlook comes through in tracks like “Giving Up the Gun,” “Whisper Something," and “Washboard Road,” enhanced by Sprinkle’s dreamy vocal demeanor. The album’s sometimes-veiled confessions are given greater definition by an appealing blend of acoustic and electronic elements, ranging from the wide-eyed bounce of “Alright” to the sleek folk/soul blending of “River & Lead” and the synthesized simmer of “Turn Around.” Beneath the cool veneer is an ardent faith that testifies rather than preaches. It's all heartfelt and expertly rendered.