Home Truths (MRA (Australian import), 2000)

"Home Truths" is an apt title for this cathartic and self-revealing album by Australian singer-songwriter Cyndi Boste. "There are some things in a lifetime/That are better left unsaid," she sings on "If I See You," then adds wryly: "And I should know/No one says it quite like me." This is a dark CD, no doubt about it; it exposes the truth about dysfunctional and damaged homes and documents all too plainly the way it feels when families and relationships tear people apart through abuse, violence, neglect and denial.

All of which sounds terribly harrowing, but this is anything but hard going on the ears. Boste's muscular alto voice has great conviction and strength, and her songs' country-soul roots are brought to the fore by producer Kerryn Tolhurst - founding member of The Dingoes, whose production credits include Paul Kelly, The Black Sorrows and Bruce Henderson.

Boste is backed by first-rate players from Australia's music fraternity including Chris Stockley (Dingoes, Bushwackers), Gerry Hale (Uncle Bill, Broderick Smith Band) and Stuart Speed (Tim Rogers' Twin Set, Audrey Auld). A wonderful, dark, emotionally intense album. ( E-Mail: cynwarrior@hotmail.com)