M. Ward
Post-War

"During the recording of the album, we listened to Elmore James and Billie Holiday and tried to imagine how they achieved certain sounds."

 M. Ward (short for Matt Ward) is an American singer-songwriter (a Californian transplanted to Portland, Oregon) who has been active for a good nine years.

 This "Post-War", released in 2006, is his fifth (and for now last) studio work, following the beautiful "Transistor Radio" of 2005.

Ward's musical offer, as specified by Matt himself (who defined this album as "my first band record"), consists of an enchanting indie folk enriched by pleasant and well-suited rock nuances.

 Speaking of Ward, big names like Neil Young and Devendra Banhart are often mentioned, especially for his undeniable vocal abilities and his graceful and delicate way of playing the guitar. He, in turn, cites Roy Orbison (with his "In Dreams") as an inspiration for the beautiful "Today's Undertaking", placed almost at the end of the album.

The album begins with two gems: "Poison Cup" ("If love is a poison cup/Then drink it up") is built on an enchanting crescendo of strings, while "To Go Home" is a fantastic cover of Daniel Johnston, made more "substantial" by piano and percussion. Noteworthy in this piece is the duet with American singer-songwriter Neko Case.

Continuing through the album, one can encounter wild shards of folk rock like "Right In The Head" (which could very well be a piece by The Coral) or strong references to the best alt-country ("Chinese Translation", which features Jim James of the excellent My Morning Jacket). Also noteworthy are a dusty and melancholic ballad like the title track and the pure and simple rock of the instrumental "Neptune's Net".

 "Post-War" is a complete, inspired, and enjoyable album, which presents an M. Ward in top form.

 Certainly his best (and most accomplished) work.

 Key Tracks: Poison Cup, To Go Home, Post-War, Chinese Translation