Equation

Kathryn Roberts, singer-lyricist for British folk rockers Equation, writes little scenes, vignettes, allowing one just enough of a glimpse of her characters. And this new CD from the band is filled to the brim with such enjoyable sketches.

“Wild Card” kicks things off in fine syncopated fashion, the acoustic guitars driving the rhythm. The narrator here is a clueless guy at a loss as to why his wife left him: “I think I told you I don’t know where she went/ … she packed up headed out left me with our child/ … I think I told you she’s a wild card.”

Other stand-out tracks: “Speak Your Thoughts,” the “dark horse” narrator offering the caveat, “If you hug the shadows/ You never will be warm"; the country, half-time rocking “Full Speed"; and “Jack and Suzanne,” with its River Thames setting, which is curiously reminiscent of Ray Davies’ “Waterloo Sunset,” only considerably darker—the couple here doesn’t cross the river into bliss, rather one seemingly drowns the other. Overall, this is a strong new CD from the band.