From the top of Williamette Mountain Intelligent Noise***

Comparisons to his fellow Nebraskan Conor Oberst have been both plentiful and precise throughout Joshua James’s career, but that’s not to diminish his material. The young singer’s third album is warm, rootsy, campfire fare, enhanced by Richard Swift’s spacious, shimmering production.

There’s the odd clever turn of phrase and James’s gorgeously evocative, wispy quiver of a voice that is striking, at least initially. At their best, his songs strut – Neil Young meets Ryan Adams (Queen of the City), or perhaps a more streetwise Fleet Foxes (So Did I’s full-bodied harmonies).

By the time the piano-led Wolves is unleashed, however, the album's increasingly homogenous tone lets it down. Not quite one to shout about from the mountaintops; how about a solid nod of approval, instead? joshuajames.tv

Download tracks:So Did I, Queen of the City