Full Review

Josh Ritter - The Animal Years

‘The Animal Years’, Josh’s first album for a major label marks a subtle change in direction from his two previous Signature Sounds releases. There’s an altogether more substantial feel to many of the lyrics and the whole collection feels centered around two songs, ‘Girl in the War’ and ‘Thin Blue Flame’, both are affecting commentaries on the Iraq War, but with totally opposite feels; the first being melody driven and the second is a brooding 10 minute epic. Many of the remaining songs are a little lighter in feel, but are still focused on observations of himself and the wider world, and the lyrics often require some analysis to get the most out of them.

Thankfully this lyrical depth is matched by an equally strong set of instant melodies and tracks such as ‘Lillian, Egypt’, ‘Wolves’ and ‘Monster Ballads’ are as memorable for their hooks as they are for their lyrics.

Guitar, mandolin, piano and organ make up the majority of the musical textures and there’s excellent percussion throughout, and the mixture of instrumentation allows intricate & delicate, atmospheric & brooding and upbeat & driving songs to sit side by side.

‘The Animal Years’ is a consistent album and wile it may not be as immediately rewarding as his previous discs the lyrics have depth and this is an excellent collection of songs.