Very laid-back, but alive. I love this CD a lot.
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On this album, Ben Hofer demonstrates not only that he is a talented lyricist but that him and his crew are talented musicians.

It's a fun album. You'll find yourself humming the tunes on the way to work.

My only complaint is that I wish there were more tracks on the CD.
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This CD has an overall enchanting and almost haunting tone.  Despite its 'lo-fi' feel, the soft spoken poetry of Ben Hofer are overlayed beautifully by female back-up vocals that seam to echo in the midst of the twangs of banjo and the dulled shaking of rattles. The quiet build of instruments and hum of feedback seem to paint a landscape of emotions, most indolent and weary. The vocals are most comparable to that of the Great Lake Swimmer's and the instrumentation and general feel of the album tend to amplify the band's influences...such as the calm undertones and folksy attitude of an Iron & Wine or Neil Halstead album, or the simple and honest sound of a Sufjan Steven song. While the album's recording doesn't seem to really capture their live performance, the songs are just enough to persuade you to close your eyes and hum their familiar tune.

For fans of:
Neil Halstead,
Great Lake Swimmers,
Mojave 3,
Sufjan Stevens,
Iron & Wine.
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