In The Hour Of Dust
Yep Roc, 2025
9/10
The inimitable artist, Grant-Lee Phillips, pens his most introspective and poetic album yet, where both solo and collaborative settings unfold with his always sincere song craft.
The flowing acoustic guitar and expressive singing of “Little Men” opens and builds into a powerful folk climate, and “Did You Make It Through The Night Okay” follows with Patrick Warren’s warm keys amid Jay Bellerose’s crisp drumming.
Moving into the middle, “Stories We Tell” comes with country ideas and a dreaminess that’s heartfelt, while “She Knows Me” has Phillips playing guitar alongside a hint of grit buried in the breezy melodies and lush backdrop.
Getting close to the end, “Dark Ages” emits much emotion via the mature keys, cozy guitar and distinct singing, and “Last Corner Of The Earth” exits with eloquence and beauty thanks to the poetic singing and soft instrumentation.
This installment was inspired by a painting from India discovered while wandering the Norton Simon Art Museum in Pasadena, CA, and like everything Phillips has done, it’s full of thoughtful wordplay and vulnerable music, where an overwhelming mood of contemplation draws us in from beginning to end.
Travels well with: Grant-Lee Phillips- All That You Can Dream; Grant-Lee Phillips- Lightning, Show Us Your Stuff