Equal measures of toe-tapping catchiness, poignantly sharp, intelligent lyrics, intensity, tenderness and moving melancholy come in this excellent new LP by the US indie-folk rockers fronted by singer-songwriter and guitarist Conor Oberst, and featuring guests Cat Power, The National’s Matt Berninger, with co-writing by Alex Orange Drink of New York punk band The So So Glos. Alex’s contribution is a key part in this album, but within the trio of Mike Mogis and Nate Walcott, as ever it is Oberst’s bright, distinctive, emotive voice that always lifts their songs, even those of a darker hue with candid clarity. Interspersed wittily with snippets of profound movie dialogue lines, the album hits all kinds of marks and moods. Bells and Whistles is a fabulous catchy uplift as the first song proper of the LP. Rainbow Overpass is a thumping, crowd-rousing, defiant rock number with co-writer Alex sharing a climax of a verse. The gentler, beautiful Bas Jan Ader, is named after and inspired by 20th century Dutch performance artist who sailed into the Atlantic Ocean, never to return. “I never thought I’d see 45,” sings Oberst. “How is it that I’m still alive?” The Omaha, Nebraska band’s album traverses and reflects on the perilous American landscape from Los Angeles to New York. Hate for example, is full of powerful lines (“the bad guys always win”), and listen out on this album for a sharp dig at a certain right-wing billionaire entrepreneur. El Capitan has a galloping Johnny Cash-style rhythm with a swell of funereal horns, shouted vocals, and lyrics that read like a sobering farewell between twin souls. “So they’re burning you an effigy,” Oberst sings. “Well, that happens to me all the time!” Other standouts include All Threes with Cat Power, The Time I Have Left with Matt Berninger, the powerfully emotive Tiny Suicides, and the soaring sound of Reel Feel 105°. One of their best albums. Out on Dead Oceans.
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