When set out to make an album, his 2002 debut, , wasn't meant to be released. He wanted to record a few songs for some friends; however, the end result took him beyond his modest expectations, allowing to blossom into an artist. is proof of that, an impressive sophomore effort from the New York City , who was merely in search of a comfort zone the first time around. He's a little bit older and wiser on , and with the help of producer ( , ), grounded himself for his most cohesive sound yet. threads are thicker ( ), and 's once delicate acoustic riffs get heavy ( ) as his ever-questioning mindset drifts throughout the ten-song set list. As a vocalist, is much more confident; from the wispy edge of to 's folky touch, clues you in on 's earnest attempt to make these songs a personal journey not only for him as an artist, but for the listener as well. Lush string arrangements, pianos, and banjos capture the album's basic dreamlike structure for a pleasurable listen. isn't interested in big production to make a decent album. He works with what's natural, mixing it with what provokes him to think and feel as an individual. The sonic richness of makes that pretty clear. ~ MacKenzie Wilson