Eyes Brand New (Zandc, 2017)

The North Carolina-based duo Zoe & Cloyd created a beautiful folk album with "Eyes Brand New." The pair accomplishes lovely harmonies and an array of songs with an impressive amount of emotional depth, whether that's through thoughtful lyrics or compelling instrumentals.

The instrumental "Underground Railroad" is one of the stars. Even without lyrics, it evokes deep emotion and spirit and celebrates Zoe & Cloyd's Appalachian roots.

"Frontier Waltz" is another beautiful instrumental that gives the duo a chance to show off their range as musicians. In comparison with the celebratory, fast-paced feel of other tracks, "Frontier Waltz" is a much-needed break into something more sweet, slow and romantic.

"Jewel of the Caspian Sea" begins with a haunting solo by one half of the husband-and-wife duo, John Cloyd Miller. His strong, vulnerable voice sets the tone for the rest of the track. When the song transitions into something more upbeat, Natalya Zoe Weinstein joins him with the harmonies this team is so adept at.

"Let's All Go Down to the River" allows the duo to sing about their religion in a way that isn't preachy or in-your-face. They repeat the words "There's a man walking on the river/ come along with me if you want to see this man walking on the water," and mention this man who turns water into wine, but they don't say Jesus' name until the end.

More than anything, this track allows listeners to get a deeper understanding of what is important to Zoe & Cloyd as individuals. They're passionate about and talented at creating music, and both their music and lyrics are poetic. Both their religious and geographical roots are important to them.

"Eyes Brand New" is a charming album full of surprises, whether that's an emotional instrumental number or an upbeat gospel. Zoe & Cloyd have both the vocal chops and the soul to create a gorgeous folk album that is always a pleasure.