by Jason MacNeil
Warm, soothing and very relaxing, Dala could be mistaken for a group that might have appeared on Sarah McLachlan's Lilith Fair odyssey. The core duo of Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine shine on the touching and ethereal opening title track. The pop sensibilities are ever present during the poppy "Anywhere Under the Moon" which resembles a cross between Canadian band Shaye and Sheryl Crow. The lone miscue might be how abrupt the tune concludes, but it's still quite good. Fans of Stevie Nicks or the Dixie Chicks would also lap up a stellar roots-oriented lullaby entitled "Sunday Dress." The band definitely plays to its strengths of great harmonies and great melodies during the pop-folk of "Marilyn Monroe" and the haunting "Hockey Sweater" with a subtle guitar in the distance, somewhat resembling Cowboy Junkies if lead singer Margo Timmins ever opted for a solo career. And while there are several jewels offered up, perhaps the cream of this sonic crop is the stunning "The Sweetest Ones," which is almost criminally sweet. A close second is the well-crafted "Perfect Photo" with its adult contemporary flavoring.