Recorded over the course of a week with producer/musician Richard Swift on production duties, Saint Bartlett sees American troubadour Damien Jurado in a more stripped-back mood than on previous offerings.

There is a sense of shade and space on this record, which works beautifully in allowing Jurado’s pensive storytelling to come to the fore, with some beguiling results. Tracks such as Rachel & Cali and The Falling Snow are standouts. They feature some gloriously restrained acoustic-guitar work and shimmering keyboards, all of which serve to lighten the darker undercurrent of yearning contained within the lyrics.

Although other sonic elements are added throughout, the overall feel is one of focused calm. Ultimately, Jurado has delivered another fantastic album.