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Album Review: Jake Bugg - Hearts That Strain

Dylan Stewart
StarStarStarStarHalf Star

"Jake Bugg has completed his transformation to mature songwriter for mature listeners."

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And with that, Jake Bugg has completed his transformation to mature songwriter for mature listeners.

Just 23 and now with four records under his belt, the Englishman has checked the swagger that accompanied him on his earliest releases at the door, instead channelling Paul Simon and Donovan to brilliant effect on Hearts That Strain.

Once the listener comes to terms with the fact that there's nary a distorted guitar to be heard, it quickly becomes evident that Bugg is an excellent songwriter. "In the event of my demise, pull a penny from my eyes/Heads you get my gold, tails you get my debt" (In The Event Of My Demise) is The Decemberists-esque, and the slight vibrato in Bugg's voice is eerily similar to that band's singer, Colin Meloy. And while Bugg's songs are not as sweeping in scope as those of The Decemberists - the 11 tracks come in at just over 35 minutes in total - the structure of the album's highs and lows make it a great way to spend that time.

Relatively straightforward production is utilised, arrangements are guided but always leave plenty of room for the stars of the show: Bugg's lyrics. Hearts That Strain is far from dance-worthy, but thoroughly rewarding nonetheless.