Singer-songwriter Tom Freund performs roots-rock heavy on lyrical detail, enough to earn the respect of gold-standard U.K. rocker Graham Parker and many others. It’s easy to hear why on 2011’s The Edge of Venice where Freund, on top of tough and lean instrumentation, tells stories and observes with a novelist’s eye. “Show Me The Love” is a basic tune of love and longing on the surface but its quips and plain language go beyond the usual terrain. “Sweetly Calling My Name” encourages a romantic mood. “Lakeshore Drive” is a tale of endless touring warped by the rigors of the road. “Daddy’s Song” is informed by Freund’s new job as a father. “Fire Trucks” is a splendid tune written during a rainy night in San Francisco. All the tracks benefit from stellar session players coloring the tunes with their expert precision. But at the heart of the album remains Freund’s personal eye and ear for detail and melody.