There is at least one constant in Kris Delmhorst's albums – they grow in stature with time. In a synchronistic twist, I happily bumped into the Boston singer-songwriter's last album of new songs (Shotgun Singer) on my iPod shortly before this new one arrived. It sounded warm and familiar, like being embraced by an old friend. It might take time for Delmhorst's songs to do their work, but Blood Test already feels natural. Since Shotgun Singer she has released an album of Cars covers, had a daughter with her partner, the songwriter Jeffrey Foucault, and the world has taken a couple of turns for the worst. The latter two form the emotional backdrop for Blood Test. Though Delmhorst's hazy folk-rock touches Shawn Colvin territory with sublime melodies and moody arrangements, the interiority of her lyrics and her softly smoky voice creates her own understated space. Good to have her back. krisdelmhorst.com Download: Homeless , Bees, Lighthouse