YTILAER

Bill Callahan's Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest saw his writing point its focus inwards and take on the enormity of life, death and childbirth. Following on from the wonderfully intimate Gold Record, YTILAER keeps a relaxed approach to the music for the most part, with Callahan's nylon-string guitar providing the basis to many songs, but there is more muscle here in places, plus Jim White's singular drumming gives it a freer character and mainstay Matt Kinsey's guitar adds colour and texture. Songs like ‘Bowevil’, for instance, with its comedy lyrics and ominous guitar part, is great fun, reminiscent of his ‘Ry Cooder’ and ‘Protest Song’, but with added sonic complexity.

Elsewhere, delicate wonders like the pre-elegiac ‘Lily’ sit beside slowly unfolding dramas like ‘Naked Souls’, with its multiple voices, sharp piano chords and crazed trumpet. Even better is ‘Coyotes’, with a softly swaying arrangement and subtle undercurrents pinning down typically astute songwriting. The craft here is exceptional throughout; the rollicking rhythm of ‘Natural Information’ is great, whereas the life-affirming ‘The Horse’ is quietly beautiful and the unnerving ‘Planets’ sees Kinsey's guitar squealing and distorted, before Callahan's soft nylon string notes placate. The overall result is a masterful balance of big, audacious sound and quietly exquisite music.