Album Review: Jim James - Eternally Even

My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James' second solo foray pulls no punches in its eviscerating look at the current political landscape.

James tackles these tumultuous times head on - bemoaning bigotry, the erosion of tolerance and the triumph of apathy over empathy - but houses it in his soothing brand of cosmic country, venturing at times into soul and even funk territory.

Less a protest album than a plea for people to take ownership of their plight - more zen reflection than firebrand polemic - it's an engrossing and uplifting voyage where hope remains a beacon.