With the 2018 disbandment of punk outfit , New York singer/guitarist underwent somewhat of a sea change, moving up to the idyllic Hudson River Valley town of Kingston and placing a renewed focus on his laid-back solo work under the name, . Although the project has been around nearly as long as , it was a far more casual affair that has so far yielded a somewhat fragmented lo-fi collection of demos (2016's ) and a more cohesive 2018 full-length called . Reflecting 's more rural lifestyle, his sophomore outing, , takes a more ruminative approach and its pastoral guitar pop easily stands as the most pleasing and focused set of his career. Gone are the lo-fi affectations of ' early days, replaced here by winsome strings, sweet harmonies, and jangling guitars. Themes of escape and renewal mark highlights like "Dog Country" and the title cut, their breezy folk-pop hooks gently unraveling under 's peculiar, almost conversational vocal delivery. The amiable "Me & May" focuses on honoring one's individuality and unique voice which is another of 's central concepts. Recorded between Brooklyn and his home studio in Kingston, he was joined by collaborators including former drummer , singer , and members and . Deeply introspective and pleasantly mellow, is a mature step forward for as a writer, and more firmly establishes ' vision. ~ Timothy Monger