Singing Saw

The former Woods frontman’s third solo album is a hazy mist of folk-rock magic. It’s also satisfyingly ambitious. The gorgeous earthiness of opener “Cut Me Down” fails to hint at the scope of what’s to come: “I Have Been to the Mountain” —with its psych-rock fuzziness, grandiose religious imagery, and gospel backing vocals—instead serves notice of Morby’s intent. These are inventive folk epics, each scaling fresh terrain. The strident “Singing Saw” builds into a piercing, yearning lament, “Drunk and on a Star” is beautifully lonesome, while “Destroyer” hypnotically sways with its lush orchestra.