reads the sleeve, and on 's fourth full-length album, the forecast calls for mostly delicate vocals, partly chiming guitars, and more-than-occasional . With these twelve hushed songs, songwriter has crafted the most relaxed album of his career. Song titles like the -esque and which declares an obvious musical influence, are every bit indicative of the lilting, graceful songs they name. 's tunes haven't felt this soft and bouncy since he fronted the , but that doesn't mean the album ever feels dull. Quite the contrary, 's songwriting channels so many decades and genres, that all one can do is marvel at the subtle melodies, and hum along to his easy vibes. Tropical beats bounce in the air, harps reverberate romantically, and chiming, sometimes chugging guitars inspire easy moods. Spanish guitars paint texture, threatening to explode out of any given song, and finally do so on the album's most bombastic track, which throws in wonderful horns and strings to stir true passion. is, perhaps, the finest song that didn't write, its stirring jazzy arrangement and yearning piano as bittersweet as can be. feels like it could be the work of a super-group obsessed with the music of , made up of members of , , and . That has been quietly creating music this strong in relative obscurity for so many years is remarkable. Maybe just doesn't gel with the zeitgeist, and maybe that's part of what makes them a consistently compelling listen. No matter from which angle one approaches , it's an excellent, timeless musical treat. ~ Tim DiGravina