The Tennessee Fire

The obvious reference point is Neil Young, although the invention of the Palace Brothers is also a touchstone. Jim James shares Young's vocal fragility, expressing regret and affection in a single breath, often sounding like his voice is about to shatter completely. The songs, meanwhile, are astonishing, taking the understated template of alt.country and adding haunted harmonies and a melodic richness that's close to that of the Beach Boys. Highlights are plentiful, but the jangled pop of "Evelyn Is Not Real", the lament of "The Bear" and the delicate musings of "I Will Be There When You Die" are heartstopping. As a primer to what could be well be alt.country's finest talent, this debut is beyond precious. --Ian Watson