Cleveland indie artist Ryan Wilkins has just released his sophomore project, the eclectic, evocative "Beautiful Disrepair: The Edgerton Sessions," brimming with beauty.

Ryan Wilkins is one of those multi-instrument guys, talented on any axe he picks up, with equally strong chops in the songwriting and producing areas. These fourteen original tracks are thoughtfully arranged, revealing an introspective spirit that still knows how to rock, the best kind. He’s got some John Mellencamp roots-rock moments ( the standout track “I’m Alright,” more on that later), yet seems just as comfortable with quiet piano ballads ( the barely-there “Peace That Breaks Through the Pain”).Actually, I think “Beautiful Disrepair” highlights his producing skills as much as his singing/songwriting talent, which is substantial.

He has surrounded himself with talent, in fact; the violin of Rufus Hayes Jones 1V threatens to steal the show on numerous tracks, especially stunning on “Lay Down My Arms” and greatly adding to the general quirkiness of “That Same Familiar Sound.” Wilkins’ own banjo sweetens the pot repeatedly, quite noticably on “The Other Side,” and adding a wistful air to the emotive title track. Wilkins shows great diversity throughout this project, whether wailing his way through “Lay Down My Arms,” as he bemoans the struggles of the flesh, or laying it out raw and honest on the bluesy rocker “Some Kind of Sign.” Both his writing and his vocals have a very organic feel to them, a way of flowing that underscores his honesty. This shows up clearly on another standout track, “All I’ve Known,” very Beatles White Album with its tight and tender harmonies. Another highlight is the symphonic folk-rock worship song, “Everything Pales in Light of You,” reminding me of another indie favorite of mine, the John Reilly Band.

But it is definitely the Americana track, “I’m Alright,” that I enjoyed the most, for its raw feel. The piano chords stop just short of dissonance, juxtaposed nicely against Jones’ smooth violin, the whole thing a fervent celebration of our haven in the Lord.

And if all this ranting isn’t enough to make you want to check out Ryan Wilkins, consider this: he and his band will be donating $1 from every CD to the “1,000 Well Project” of BloodWaterMission, founded by fellow rockers, Jars of Clay. This work will build and repair wells in African communities to ensure clean drinking water, especially for the 26 million Africans infected with the HIV/AIDS virus.

But see for yourself. Visit www.RyanWilkins.com to pick up a copy of “Beautiful Disrepair: The Edgerton Sessions” and let me know if you don’t think it’s not one of the year’s best indie projects so far. You won’t be disappointed.