Josh Ritter’s new album So Runs the World Away begins with a quiet instrumental that slowly pulls back the “curtain” and prepares you for the show.  The Idaho native has been making music for more than a decade and on his 6th full length album he looks like a seasoned veteran with all the confidence in the world.  Ritter’s latest album is a lesson in the ebb and flow of energy, carefully intertwining slow epic anthems, bouncy songs about love and brass in your face tunes that make you sit up and take notice.

Josh opens with the first single “Change of Time” that was a winner back in February when it was first released and continues to please in the context of the full album.  “The Curse” is a slow waltz that may not make believers out of Ritter newbies, but is a quietly tragic song that tells the epic tale of mummy love and loss.  “Southern Pacifica” is a clear stand out and “Rattling Locks” employs a seriously infectious drum stick rhythm, an eery guitar riff and an ominous chant of “black hole” that stays with you long after you first listen.  The album never takes itself too seriously and Josh lightens the mood like a pro with the bouncy Paul Simon-esque “Lark” and the ridiculously catchy and adorable “Lantern.”  “The Remnant” is a bold, slightly jarring and completely habit forming song where Josh gets down and dirty, showcasing his originality and confidence with a gritty guitar sound and torturous beat.  “Another New World” is the type of slow anthem Josh is known for, but this time around he really weaves the story and gives us a sneak peak of his story telling skills (soon to be seen in hard cover).  The album comes to a close with “Orbital,” a sweet circular journey and “Long Shadows,” an unstoppable rhythmic song, both set to Josh’s particular brand of infectious folk music.

The only cause for concern would be that the uptempo moments from former albums seem to be missing.  Where are the “Wolves,” “Snow is Gone,” and “Right Moves” type songs that provided the memorable high-energy moments in his albums over the years?  Josh has said that he wanted this album to mark a new period in his career, to be different than the others, and he certainly delivers with a highly enjoyable album that is full of songs that bring something new to the table.  So to the people searching for those old favorites one could argue that years from now, when Josh puts out his next album, we could all be asking “Where’s the ‘Southern Pacifica,’ ‘Rattling Locks,’ and ‘Lantern’ type songs?”

So Runs the World Away is a complete journey from start to finish that brings the energy up and down with a pro’s confidence while still providing a sometimes fun and always enjoyable soundtrack.  Josh is emerging as an original and confident songwriter who knows how to slowly weave a story, rock the house and most of all always leave you wanting more.

Highlights:

Southern Pacifica
Rattling Locks
Lantern