Temptation

Made up of Josh Cunningham and sisters Vikki Thorn and Donna Simpson the Waifs have a charming chemistry and a rich, rootsy sound built up over seven albums and nearly 20 years together. All three members contribute songs to Temptation with each bringing their own style to the whole. Cunningham’s songs (“Moses and the Lamb,” “Drifting, Dreaming,” the title track) are thick with Christian imagery and apocalyptic scenes centered on the sins of temptation while both Thorn and Simpson sing frankly about battles with the bottle and the emotional toll that is takes (“Just Like Me,” “Somedays”). These themes don’t completely dominate the album — “Falling” and “Day Dreamer” are lovely and lighthearted, for instance — but the personal drama seems to have focused and inspired them. The band is in fine form throughout and plays with a slow-burning fire. The sparse and soulful “I Learned the Hard Way” is supported by simmering slide guitar, “Beautiful Night” is among the catchiest pure-pop numbers they’ve ever delivered, and the textured “Moses and the Lamb” is an acoustic gem soaring on the strength of some outstanding three-part harmony vocals.