POST-WAR - M. WARD
In a career full of understated blues, frail folk and creaky country, M. Ward’s new set is the full-band record we’ve been waiting for. His drawl and sublime guitar work is buttressed with plenty of percussion and even a string ensemble. While he still relies heavily on old-timey melodies and washes every instrument with classic delay, the set feels more alive than usual. “Chinese Translation” is an instant Ward classic that repeats like a child’s song and drifts off into the sleepy vacation track “Eyes on the Prize.” “To Go Home” starts with heavy drums and ends with Ward’s cooing voice and tinkling of the keys. Armed with other killer moments, like the feel-good harmonies of “Rollercoaster” and the guitar solo on “Right in the Head,” Ward is primed to win this “War.” Billboard
