Anything Is Possible

The folk duo Patchouli serves up songs on Anything Is Possible with the bright, refreshing edge of clear spring water. Singer/songwriter and guitarist Julie Patchouli and lead guitarist Bruce Hecksel have been refining their acoustic-based sound for more than a decade. There’s a tinge of Natalie Merchant’s antique wistfulness in Julie’s vocals, as well as a rousing Indigo Girls–style optimism to the duo’s music overall. The title track, “Paper Tigers," and “Away We Go” are typical of Patchouli’s ability to offer upbeat anthems filled with resolute sentiments and rippling, Latin-influenced rhythms. Romantic numbers like “The Phoenix” and “Morning After” have a funky-but-tender early-‘70s vibe, highlighted by the duo’s guitar-and-vocal interplay. Whether they’re looking back at old times with longing (“The Return”) or riding a breezy melodic flow (“Light Parade”), Julie and Bruce convey the easy camaraderie of years spent on the mid-American coffeehouse circuit. A soulful cover of Goebel Reeves’ “Hobo’s Lullaby” complements their original tunes. Keyboards, fiddle, and light percussion help round out the duo’s sound.