Portsmouth Herald

I've become familiar with the music of Sara Cox mostly through her involvement with the excellent Portland roots rock collective "The Coming Grass," but upon hearing her new solo album "Arrive," my appreciation for her talents has reached new levels. "Arrive" unfolds with 12 tracks of catchy, country-influenced rock and smart, sophisticated balladry.

Cox is enjoyable for a music fan not just because of great songwriting, but also because of her dependability when it comes to great songwriting. Every song here has a strong hook, an effortless arrangement, and what’s even more astonishing, a distinct sound. The bashing, cleverly acerbic rock of "Milk Song," the eastern atmospheres of "Look Up," the lazy shuffle of "Single Girl," the tinge of Talking Heads-ian reggae in "Stir The Waters;" each song has a unique flavor and sense of itself, and in turn the entire album feels self-assured and strong in both material and sentiment.

Competently backed by her Coming Grass cohorts and such guests as Carter Logan and Darien Brahms, Cox has released a diverse and promising album.

Jamie Perkins, Portsmouth Herald