I've read every line of print on CD Playing for an Audience of Candles, convinced that there should be a warning that reads: May induce surly sixteen month old children to behave brilliantly for 54:46; do not be alarmed. Left with a child named Emily who is not easily dazzled, the thickly strummed rhythm guitar and spunky harmonica on the CD's opener, "Cracks," proved surprisingly moving. As the song ended she opened her mouth to cry, but was captivated by "Pharmaceutical Connection" and the wayward slide guitar on "Built on Opinion". Emily, oblivious to my assertion that Holder's earnest lyrics give his songs plenty of heft, seemed more than content to let the contagious melodies move her body like a pint-sized whirling dervish. Holder, much like the Indigo Girls, is confident enough to let his guilelessly constructed songs speak for themselves. Tired from trying to sing-along to such basic, gently ambling tracks as "Dark and Lovely" and "Curbside Philosophy", Emily fought to stay awake through the reflective vocals, piano and cello of the concluding track, "K in NYC". Luke Holder's first independent project is a warm, inviting disc...and a salvation to baby-sitters everywhere.