Like a heavily bearded magpie, Sam Beam demonstrates an admirable ability for snaffling genres on this fourth album. It’s still unclear whether he can transcend his alt country origins, but the range of influences here is unquestionably impressive. His ethereal, often effected, vocals sing deceptively simple refrains over a shifting bed of hooky marimba, funky guitar, jazzy brass, and wispy, squelchy electronics. Every track glistens with magnificent and surprising production, and Beam’s intelligent lyrics (although he’s a little sweary for these tender ears). It all culminates with the utterly beautiful and aptly titled ‘Glad Man Singing’.
[etRating value=“ 4.5”]
