Bill Callahan, best known as the force behind the experimental lo-fi band Smog, is out with another solo release, Apocalypse. This seven track album is conceived as a Western-style narrative, with Callahan as a drover – a cattle herder, and the title of the opening song – making his way across the wild frontier, stumbling in and out of love, and lamenting the bygone glory of America’s past and the decline of the modern nation. Callahan is a sharp songwriter, even referencing his musical heros, Kris Kristofferson, George Jones and Johnny Cash, casting them as guardians of the American way. Apocalypse’s blend of country, blues, and ’70s rock retains a downtempo quality, fitting for the somber allegory, and clocking in under 40 minutes, is a quick and gratifying listen. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Vic Chesnutt, Lambchop, Cass McCombs, Silver Jews, Smog, Songs: Ohia