CD Review

Bonnie "Prince" Billy is a crafter of songs. Stripped down and uncomplicated, his timbre and tone are dampened to a familiar patter that plays out with whimsy and wear. And even with sparing accompaniment on The Letting Go – the flourishes of strings and the backing vocals of Dawn McCarthy – Bonnie's simple compositions remain the most spirited of the textures that emerge. The verse of "Cursed Sleep" is strung up and captive to a cycling progression over which he sings, "She was older still, and holds my love against its will." "Cold &Wet" exposes the artist's ability to meld off-center vocals and loose guitar into a bluesy puddle, contrasted with the tight, secular gait of "Big Friday," a testament to a savior of the female persuasion.

Despite the mostly acoustic compositions on the The Letting Go, the inclusion of strings and other orchestration allows several of the tracks to reach epic crescendos, only to drift back to those simple, uncomplicated songs that are Bonnie's forte. Bonnie "Prince" Billy is undoubtedly one of today's finest songwriters; one whose approach remains subdued, yet powerful. The Letting Go maintains his trademark style while giving those simple songs the opportunity to puff and billow with passionate, dusty bravado.