Album Review: M Ward - More Rain

M Ward's first album in almost four years (presumably due to She & Him commitments) continues the evolution from his dusty, country-folk beginnings.

More Rain is rife with rich soundscapes, full arrangements and interesting studio embellishments. His meticulous, retro-tinged craftsmanship covers plenty of terrain, from the up-tempo, soulful Time Won't Wait Up, through the ominous build of Confession onto the gentle swagger of You're So Good To Me. There are subtle contributions from Neko Case, Peter Buck and k.d. lang but it's Ward's lazy elegance that brings it all home.