From out of nowhere…well, Belgium actually…comes a late contender for,if not album of the year,then certainly debut of theyear. Fans of Bon Iver,Fleet Foxes and all things folksy rejoice –for Isbells are the beardy new kids on theblock (or BNKOTB, if you will).

This is arecord gorgeous in its simplicity, with aslow, smouldering burn that eventuallytotally enraptures the listener. Paintingfrom a sparse palette, with very subtleinstrumentation and golden harmonies,Isbells has already become a staple amongthe Readings St Kilda staff and has takenon the mantle of the Beta Band in HighFidelity. (Who is this that’s playing???) Put iton and watch it fly. And check out theprice! And the artwork! Loverly.