Singer's Grave a Sea of Tongues

As with every Bonnie “Prince” Billy release, Will Oldham writes and sings tales that are deliberately obscure and always on his own terms. His singing mostly sticks to understated and tuneful; only on occasion does he reach for the wild abandon (“Old Match”) of his earlier releases with Palace Brothers. In its place, he uses poetic restraint and a seasoned group of musicians, highlighted by pedal steel guitar that brings elegance and a sense of order. Cairo Gang’s Emmett Kelley and the vocal choir of Caroline Peyton, Alfreda McCrary-Lee, and Regina and Ann McCrary bring a touch of country (“Night Noises,” “We Are Unhappy”) and gospel (“Mindlessness”), while esteemed engineer Mark Nevers ensures the album comes together as one flowing, consistent adventure. Oldham reaches his most aching and existential on “New Black Rich (Tusks),” which combines raw drums, rough fiddle, and lightly overdriven electric guitar to create the modest environment necessary for his sense of sorrow.