In this day and age of overdubbed vocals, electronic indused guitar hooks and sample crazy songs what does someone as stripped down and honest as Jose Gonzalez have to offer? Gonzalez, who has enjoyed success in Scandanavia and the UK has finally made his way over to the US for the release of Veneer. Veneer itself implies that something is secretive about this solo album,(means Hidden Agenda) but the songs and sound suggest the sheer transparancy of this album. Taking a page from other great singer songwriter like M Ward and Iron and Wines Sam Beam, Gonzalez treks along through this album with a keen guitar stroke and makes us feel as if we are listening to him in a long half lit room by ourselves. From the pop sensibilites of Stay in the Shade to the darkly written Save your Day and a brilliant cover of Swedish electro-pop group The Knife on Heartbeats, Gonzalez keeps his audience entrenched. If you find yourself comfortable being led down dark hallways to the sound of beautifully crafted tunes echoing throughout, Gonzalez is your man.