Los Angeles-based Jackie Bristow displays her proficiency and talent as a country and indie singer songwriter throughout her fourth album ‘Shot of Gold’. A highlight is Fallen Youth, a stirring ballad recalling WWI experiences of an unnamed soldier. The song was written after Jackie was approached by a Gore local – a kiwi soldier and friend, who had carried a poem found in the Gore Library with him for two decades. The song is a melancholic depiction of a soldier’s trials and ultimately the loss of youth. Developing from thoughts of turning seasons, departure and travel, with rumbling droning open chords on the guitar emulating the trains engine churning, Whistle Blowin’ has a moody narrative. The whistle is provided by her upper register flurrying. With a gentle country lilt to her voice Bristow’s phrases are like parables, reminding the listener of a mother’s wise words and warnings, with Healing telling a message of forgiveness and recuperation. The title track Shot of Gold is a positive upbeat song about self-pride and opportunity. Catchy guitar chord patterns to start, revisited throughout the tune, contrast the deeper vocal tones in the chorus with similarly bold chords. The instrumentation is kept light and sympathetic to the raw but staunch strength in her music. Collaborators include Mark Punch on guitar, Mark Collins on banjo, Jonathan Zwartz on double bass and Mauricio Lewak on percussion.