The opening vocals by Will Sheff on “Nothing Special,” his first solo album, immediately recall the glory of Okkervil River, with a lilting melody bursting into an exuberant chorus and massed musicians. Check out that track, “The Spiral Season,” and you know what to expect. Sheff cannot write an unmelodic song, his voice is sweet and high, and the pace is unhurried. As ever, his lyrics are intelligent observations on the world, including the death of a former bandmate. I loved the sad, profound title track and the sudden shredding guitar roar at the close of “Like Last Time.” A charismatic frontman, Will Sheff is a wonderful singer-songwriter, and Nothing Special deserves to succeed.
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