The last few years have been a real quest for Jess Klein to find her real life roots and, since her move to Austin, Texas, I believe she has finally found that panacea. It was a difficult decision for Klein to leave the East Coast of America, a place she had inhabited all her life and make this new journey. Klein's new album, Bound to Love, has a more country and roots influence and this is due to her new family of Texan musicians and friends.

Although I am a big fan of Klein's earlier work, I can feel a more settled artist here in a state of homeostasis. There is a more relaxed and polished performer oozing with confidence, and I am looking forward to her progression in the world of country music and Americana.

All musicians and artists evolve and find new genres and styles to experiment with, but I am glad that Klein has still included the rockier numbers that we had in her earlier albums, especially in When the Times Comes. The lyrics express the liberty and freedom that is now encompassing her new life. This is an extremely gutsy track. The title track "Bound for Love" also flourishes with the freedom motif that is established from the beginning of the album.

Klein's nostalgic song, "Postcard," is filled with "road movie" images, dusty gas stations, past friends and lovers living in creaky little houses on the wrong side of town. "Travellin' Woman" is Klein's homage to the road and transient people and its my favourite track on the album. It is so sexy that I get shivers listening to it. The beautiful soprano of "Rosalie" is a soothing diamond of a love song and will certainly touch the heart of many.

I think Klein has finally found her niche and I am looking forward to many more Austin albums to come.