Phosphorescent (songwriter Matthew Houck) is back with his sixth album titled Muchacho, the follow-up to 2010’s Here’s to Taking It Easy. Muchacho evolved out of a particularly hard time in Houck’s life and a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula to regroup and write songs. The result is combination of moods and sounds found on previous works such as the finely crafted simplicity of the compositions and touches of darkness this time enhanced by a deft incorporation of electronics and guest musicians. Fortunately Houck’s emergence from his introspective journey didn’t leave him isolated; the inclusion of accompaniment by almost 20 musicians at different points in the development of the album elevates through strings, horns, keys and electronics. A few highlights “Muchacho’s Tune”, “Terror in the Canyons”, “A Charm/A Blade” piano and horns galore. As a Phosphorescent fan, Muchacho is one of the spring album releases that I’m most excited about! – Written by JFelton
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