This mini album kicks off in a somewhat understated matter. Opening track ‘Shortcuts’ doesn’t kick into gear until its final forty seconds or so. It’s surprising as being pleasant enough has never been part of Rocky Votolato’s repertoire. Luckily the missteps stop there. For the following five songs us lucky lot are in for a treat. The most earnest moment on this collection is ‘Sawdust and Shavings’ itself. It delivers with that mid-era City and Colour timbre and makes these first few listens far more convincing than Dallas Green has ever done. Saying that, ‘Royal’ plays a similar hand and once again completely satisfies, the backing vocal which simply contains some “oooooh waaa hoooo wooos” guides us through an empty house. The atmospheric hollowness within the natural acoustics of the recording are wonderfully produced here. In the space of three and a half minutes Rocky lays down not only the highlight of this record but maybe his career. It’s a lightweight masterpiece. It’s mellow, sure, maybe a tad sparse in places but it’s meant to be. One man and a guitar can take you to so many places and Rocky Votolato makes the most of this minimal set-up. Now about that full length…