For someone as prolific as , taking two years between albums might seem like a bit of a stretch, although he's had plenty on his plate since the release of 2021's -- publishing his first novel, releasing two albums as part of (his collaboration with of ), touring as a member of 's , pursuing his career as a visual artist, and the demands of being a father and husband. But if anyone thought that was slacking off, 2023's should set that thought aside. While wrote most of the songs in short bursts while on the road and recorded the material in just five days, sounds epic, a powerfully atmospheric realization of the possibilities of 's talents as a composer. Melodically, this music is still rooted in the elemental folkiness that's his musical North Star, but with a small ensemble of trusted collaborators ( , , and ), he's expanded his arrangements to IMAX-size proportions, with the wall of noisy guitars on "Swine," the ominous percussion-heavy soundscapes of "Alta (Warped Kite)," and the chugging, muscular country-rock of "The Conductor Calls" as evidence. While understands the concept of "Go Big or Go Home" and makes savvy use of it, is never bombastic for its own sake, and on "In Granada" and "Conduct" his turned-down amps let dynamics do the work, though the washes of keyboard and steel guitar that color the performances, and the spare, sorrowful take of "Of Passengers and Plight" that closes the album are a master class in how to make music that's both unobtrusive and emotionally forceful. The tone of is for the most part downbeat, as contemplates the bad luck and random disappointments that have plagued so many in the era in which this was recorded, yet it's also full of life and passion, and the notes of an artist who has been let down but isn't giving up. It's a truly memorable salvo from a musician who can seemingly spin gold. ~ Mark Deming