He experienced what could have been a traumatic blow to his inventiveness and creativity as a musician but ex- frontman is fresh. He has moved on from the effervescent prettiness of his former band to make music for himself -- something might have done somewhere in time, but it wouldn't have been so honest or stripped as this solo jaunt, . Another look into the shoegazing mind of this singer/songwriter, this record is not a comeback. is optimistic, hauntingly spellbound on the album opener It is a signature love song, flowing with its illustrious string arrangements and simple brushing percussion. His drawl is naturally smooth and one cannot help but to be pulled into the seductiveness behind his words. and are also songs that can carry emotion to another level, weighing in on something surreal. He also gets poppy with a sarcastic twist on the trippy groove and the twangy sounds of clap alongside folk-rock guitar riffs. is still tastefully infectious. He still believes that music has a soul -- with or without his former band. He is certainly a rock star and a believer in love, death, musical spirituality, and individuality. That is what made a great rock band in the first place, but 's superior drive to do something real only makes him and his music more endearing. He is looking ahead, not wishing for past adventures. He celebrates life, pure and simple. ~ MacKenzie Wilson