Steph Macleod brings a compelling back-story to his debut album Light In the Darkest of Nights. The Scottish singer/songwriter spent years battling alcoholism and homelessness before embracing Christian faith and returning to his music. His songs offer fresh, compelling testimonies of suffering and redemption, framed in a sparse acoustic folk sound reminiscent of John Martyn, Bert Jansch and Tracy Chapman. Macleod’s smoky tenor takes on the voice of a weary sinner and an ecstatic believer, sometimes within the same song. A bruised sort of humor — reminiscent of the stoic wit of classic bluesmen — shines through “Lord Have Mercy” and “Little By Little.” There’s a distinct Celtic element present as well, heard in tracks like the expansive praise tune “Rain Down” and the antiwar ballad “Human Condition.” Most of all, Macleod uses his songs to thank God for giving him a second chance – “Hope Shines On” is an especially moving account of sorrow and salvation. Macleod’s classically trained guitar touch graces each track, with fiddle, organ and drums providing sturdy backup.