12.01.06 UNCUT Magazine (UK) STEPHEN SIMMONS | Drink Ring Jesus (Rounder Europe) "Raised in a devout Christian household, Simmons’ songs mirror a struggle between faith and devilry – indeed, much of this fine record sounds like a long prayer in the dark. 2004’s “Last Call” was a full-band affair, but here he strips everything back to bare acoustic guitar and harmonica, his baked-in-clay voice owing as much to Kris Kristofferson and Guy Clark as it does Jeffery Foucault. “Devils Work Is Never Done” is, allegedly, already a favourite of Neil Young, while “Carpenter Skills” finds him adrift in a dusty wilderness. Vivid, intelligent and soulful." – Rob Hughes