The Innocence Mission, “We Walked in Song,” (Badman) 3 stars.
 In 1991, a group called The Innocence Mission and a mesmerizing singer named Karen Peris released an unforgettable song called “And Hiding Away,” as well as an album called “Umbrella” on A&M that sure seemed to signal imminent stardom. Well, the stardom thing never quite happened, though all these years later, The Innocence Mission have forged a very respectable career, making music that’s atmospheric, filled with gentle textures and Peris’ delicate vocals that at times recall those of Natalie Merchant at her best.
 “We Walked in Song,” was written in the wake of the loss of the singer’s mother and father, and its subtle splendor flows throughout the soft wide open spaces that fill the set. “Lake Shore Drive,” is especially entrancing, lifted by the guitar work of Karen’s husband Don Peris, while other tracks including the dreamy “Love That Boy,” and the melancholy “Over the Moon,” prove that there’s nothing that can quite match simple beauty and heartfelt grace.

By KEVIN O’HARE �
c.2007 Newhouse News Service