In a year already shaping up to be a strong one for alt-country, out emerges the not-exactly-prolific Texan with only his third album in six years. But pardon him this time, dude’s been busy. Since the release of his previous, near-perfect album in 2005 (The Other Side of Kindness), his life has been a lightning rod of repeated upheaval: marriage, divorce and not one, but two stints in rehab. If there’s one thing that can sugar life’s pills though, it’s Herring’s effortless songwriting style. This time out, his country-rock shows a less rugged, more introspective texture. With the exception of the sweetly crestfallen “Punches” (featuring the always excellent Kathleen Edwards on backing vocals), the slow numbers tend to drag ass. It’s always been the big, ringing gestures that flexed his talent best. Whether it’s the easy sweeps of “Pictures” or the back-road soul of “One Last Morning,” there are enough of them herein to make this a highly recommended album. The interstate-rock muscle may be muted this time around, but his fine-grit sound is still furnished with acres of twanged elegance. The facile melodies and graceful movement his songs continue to display prove that, despite a surprisingly low profile, Herring is one of alt-country’s premiere talents.

Bao Le-Huu