I’d never heard Will Oldham (a.k.a. Bonnie “Prince” Billy) before, but The Letting Go is a good start. The album is a study in contrasts: a mix of traditional-sounding and modern folk, ranging from simple to lush, loud to soft, angry to soothing. Dawn McCarthy’s voice on backing vocals doesn’t so much blend with Oldham but adds another supplemental, contrasting tone. The lyricism and songwriting is first-rate, if a little maudlin. No one song really grabs you – it was hard to remember a few “standout” tracks without a re-listen – but the album as a whole is worth a listen.

Notable Tracks: Love Comes To Me; Cursed Sleep; The Seedling.