Ray LaMontagne – Part Of The Light (RCA)

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If you’re looking for Trouble you’ve come to the wrong place, Ray LaMontagne is on a musical odyssey and Part Of The Light is some trip. 

First hailed as the second coming of Van Morrison, he’s pushed away from the folk-rock blues of his debut and continues his journey into British psychedelic-era Pink Floyd and The Beatles.

It’s a natural progression from the well-crafted concept-album Ouroboros, a throwback to layered full-length records and his seventh studio effort feels just as much a labour of love.

He’s ditched the rootsy growl, his voice no more than a whisper on tracks like It’s Always Been You and title track Part of the Light. Just haunting vocals destined to be played in the dark.

The reserved New England native has said himself that he tried too hard on his first two albums, and now lets the music lead the way. On a quick play you might think it’s a snooze-inducing nostalgia-fest, but on repeat listens his musicianship and song writing comes to the fore.

The slide guitar of the country-tinged first single Such a Simple Thing is gorgeously paired with heartbreaking lyrics,  “I can’t make you see / if you don’t by now.”

But he hasn’t forgotten how to rock. While it might not be the soulful party of You Are the Best Thing, the rousing chorus of standout track Paper Man is tinged with Lennon/McCartney melody.

Plus there are enough fuzzy guitars and pounding drums on As Black as Blood is Blue and No Answer Arrives to break up the world-weariness.

Like any good full-length effort it’s got a killer seven-minute closer, with guitars that just soar and fade out like a thing of beauty.

A musician in search of himself LaMontagne continues the journey with Part Of The Light. With something so well crafted and honest just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Clayton Barnett

Part Of The Light is released May 18th.

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