Confiding in his guitar as if it’s his only friend in the world and drawing immediate likeness to another acoustically-inclined Damien, Jurado placidly yet sourly spikes words and advocates futility without histrionics, a model of calm amidst whatever is thrown at him. ‘Fuel’ is chiefly thorny, meekly pouring a fire of grim lyrics sung like a bedtime story that also recounts an outcast’s despondency and a struggle to cope with love. As the twangs take a different route as required, ‘Big Decision’, ‘Lion Tamer’ and ‘I am the Mountain’ progressively turning up the amps, DJ’s wordplays remain unflappable.
4 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Matt Oliver