Chris Newman, former songwriter, singer and guitarist for Napalm Beach has recorded his second CD with his newest project “Divining Rods.” 2006’s “Love Letter to the Dead” is followed up with 2007’s “Key of H.” “Love Letter” is a tribute to Newman’s newfound sobriety while in treatment. After a stint in jail his love interest, a girl from his past, found him on the internet. She had written him letters, general delivery, while Newman was on the streets of San Francisco strung out and leaving behind his music and his will to live. After a twenty-year love affair with drugs and an addicted long time dysfunctional marriage, Newman found true love and his musical calling. “Love Letter” chronicled this new life where “Key of H” continues the story of the long distance relationship and his many visits from Portland to L.A. to see his lover. There he would be inspired to compose on her fathers old Martin which is used through out this recording. The songs on “Key of H” deal with the loneliness and pitfalls of relapses and feeling unworthy of love. Her patience and guiding hand were the things that kept Newman on the path to creativity. Newman’s forty years of guitar and songwriting are clearly present on this recording. His many influences and styles come across on “Key of H.” It’s always been hard to put Newman in a labeled genre. He has somehow defined himself while hopping between psychedelic, blues, gospel, country, hard rock and garage. Newman has experienced a lot in the last year. The death of his father, a new marriage to the girl of his dreams and dealing with the lack of money to bring her and her nine year old son to Portland to live as a new family. Chris Newman writes about what he knows, says what he means and has a gift for multiple musical genres. He is joined once again by Roach, Portland’s insane keyboardist. Roach compliments the music with a subtlety that supports Chris’ guitar and frames his vocals. New to his band are Newman’s old Napalm Beach bassist Dave Dillinger. His confidence and presence on bass is the perfect foundation for this four piece unit. Finally there is the solid and powerful drumming of old friend Louie Samora, driving these songs with a hypnotic and inspired evolution. The opening of “Interpret my dreams” says it all, “I’m gonna show you everything I know” and this recording is the perfect sampler of Newman’s timeless guitar prowess, emotionally charged vocals, brutally honest lyrics, simple yet complex songwriting and arranging.