A rebirth of sorts

Sun Kil Moon - April
Posted by Laila Hanson on 07-Jul-08 @ 02:17 PM

[3.5/5]
Mark Kozelek's music--whether it's his work with slo-fi pioneers Red House Painters or his recent recordings as the folk-leaning Sun Kil Moon--is the ideal soundtrack for a solo road trip. April, SKM's second proper collection of originals, is no different: Finger-picked acoustic guitar (and occasional bits of electrified twang) and Kozelek's echoing, old-soul vocals paint haunting snapshots full of solitary introspection and wistful nostalgia. The piano-and-string-driven standout "Moorestown" in particular swells with deep heartache as beautiful as it is profoundly sad. Nevertheless, the best comparison for April is Neil Young; highlight "Tonight The Sky" features hurricanes of dust cloud guitars and Kozelek's keening quaver. Sun Kil Moon's music is known for mirroring the frozen desolation of winter, but these warmer flourishes mean that on April there's more than a hint of rebirth--and hope. (CALDO VERDE) Annie Zaleski


Official Website: http://www.caldoverderecords.com