Josh Tillman returns as everyone's favorite narcissist, Father John Misty. His follow up to last year's Pure Comedy is much more subdued and personal. But don't worry there is still plenty of witty commentary to go around.


Tillman retreated to a New York City hotel room for two months to create this album. One can only assume the chemicals and psychedelic concoctions that were consumed during that time. Despite this rock n' roll cliché creative process the end-product is quite pleasing. FJM manages to remove his ego and delve to personal levels unheard of for him since I love you, Honeybear. 

The former Fleet Foxes drummer sounds tired and worn down. Playing the part of Mr. Misty seems to have finally taken a toll on him. Which may have been for the best, his lyrics sound more honest, dark and vulnerable in this state of mind. He still has his sense of humor in tact as he displays on the piano ballad "Palace":

"Last night I wrote a poem/Man, I must’ve been in the poem zone.”

The themes of politics, religion and existential dread run deep on this album. But they are delivered in a simplified and self examining way. This version of FJM is refreshing and welcome. One can only listen and enjoy it, who knows how long it will last and what he has up his sleeve in the future.