Conor Oberst’s latest musical creation with Bright Eyes begins grippingly, true to form, with a sample of monologues about space, time and reptilians spoken by a friend of Connor’s whom he met while making a record. It works so beautifully as a narrative, making things feel coherent and fluid.

'Shell Games' sticks in your head with rapid efficiency; its irresistible chorus takes hold of you with a vocal hook that screams to be hummed along to and definitely has an anthemic feel to it. 'Jejune Stars' has a similar bouncy and affable nature, occasionally breaking into firework-like bursts of post-rock melody. As a whole, the feel is less ramshackle and stripped down. Instead, it has this glorious, almost Beirut style (particularly the beginnings of 'A Machine Spiritual') orchestral quality. Oberst has woven sounds and samples together to create a seamless tapestry.

He has once again out done himself lyrically, a well-read, inquisitive mind put to great use with intriguing references to historical characters and stories throughout. 'One For Me One For You' is a perfect farewell, with its vibes of acceptance and general faith in human nature which I see as the central theme of this record.