Damien Jurado - And Now That I'm In your Shadow Album Review

Damien Jurado
And Now That I'm In your Shadow
Album Review

Damien Jurado has quietly built up a great body of critically-acclaimed work, but his Nick Drake-like gentle singer-songwriter core has never brought him anywhere near the charts. That is the charts' loss, because this latest album is so bewitchingly gorgeous in its breathy intensity and simple timeless melodies, that many of those who would undoubtedly fall under its spell will never hear about it.

Unlike the similar Iron and Wine, Jurado rarely turns uplifting - instead the tales are (usually) dark little short story vignettes, gently told, but always with a deeply vulnerable sadness in his voice. If this album were a book, it would be the opposite of an airport thriller - instead it needs moments of quiet contemplation to deliver its emotional power, and that power is more clearly cathartic than thrilling. And Now That I'm In Your Shadow is a draining listen, but if you're in the mood for that, there aren't many better around.

Rating 7/10

Mike Rea