J Tillman - Year in the Kingdom

Unknown to most, current Fleet Foxes drummer J Tillman is a prolific singer-songwriter in his own right, and this sixth solo outing is a companionable jaunt through a similar alt.folk hinterland to his day job.

With fragile banjo, tremulous dulcimer, slapdash choirs and Tillman’s achingly emotive voice, Year in the Kingdom is reminiscent of a lo-fi Sufjan Stevens. It’s a touch unassuming in places, the pace not shifting much, but the occasional break into orchestral tendencies, like the climax of ‘There Is No Good in Me’ or the sweetly sonorous ‘Crosswinds’, make it a gentle wee trip worth taking.

(Bella Union)