Kiss Each Other Clean might be Iron and Wine’s first album with Warner Bros, but just because they’re on a major label doesn’t mean they’re selling out.  The I & W mastermind Samuel Beam, continues to churn out indie folk songs with his trademark vocals but this go round he isn’t afraid to utilize the full range of post production currently at his disposal.  Beam and company have been making solid albums for years, but their newest release seems like their coming out party equipped with flutes, saxophones, synch machines and any other instrument you can think of.

The new album  comes out of the gate with a bang, “Walking Far From Home” is just beautiful and “Tree By The River” might just be my new favorite song.  After that, things start to get a little freaky.  Don’t get me wrong I love an F bomb dropped by a super soft vocal as much, if not more than the next person but “Monkey’s Uptown” has just a bit too much post production for me.  We get back on track with the lovely “Half Moon,” and then throw it back to the funky side with “Rabbit Will Run.”  The rest of the album is a bit of a mixed bag, from light and sweet “Glad Man Singing” to strange and big band-ish “Big Burned Hand.”

At the end of the day there are songs not to be missed on this album, and Beam’s beard is as glorious as ever, but I can’t say I love the new highly produced instrument laden sound being explored.