Violets are Blue is Rani Arbo Daisy Mayhem's fifth release, a collection of rollicking, wistful and wise "love songs from the hill." Seven originals and five covers look at partnership through the kaleidoscope of midlife, finding forgiveness, perseverance and selfawareness in funny, mindful, longing, and satisfied songs with a wide range of moods. Where some pulse with drums, bass, accordion, electric guitar, fiddle and rich fourpart harmony, others hang like spacious webs from the shimmering thread of Arbo's alto. Confident, diverse, reflective, and loving, Violets are Blue is a bouquet from an Americana band in its prime.