Metal & Wood

This Spokane, WA native opens Metal & Wood with the subtly soulful “Running Around In My Dreams,” a wistful serenade enveloped in a love-at-first-sight narrative where he finally meets the muse of his recurring dreams. The title track deviates from romantic themes to focus on more socially conscious and political subject matter — some of which is pretty heavy — but contrasted with the breezy groove of his acoustic tones he avoids sounding preachy, coming off like an earnest troubadour hopeful that a peaceful future is possible for the next generation. “Give Me One Reason” is a beautiful standout that boasts guest singer Jason Reeves adding some heavenly harmonies, especially in the song’s ascending chorus where Wells and Reeves sing so closely that a third overtone pops out from their vocal braiding. “Let Go” downshifts into a deeply moving number that touches on the difficulty of ending relationships and saying goodbye, but the song’s silver lining pulses in spare acoustic arpeggios, stripped down string accompaniment, and Wells’ poetic lyrics.