Be Set Free

Be Set Free, Langhorne Slim’s third full-length release, deftly brings together the dominating sides of his songwriting into one satisfying whole. His exuberant, foot-stomping street busker side is represented by “Say Yes,” “Cinderella,” and “Yer Wrong,” while his vulnerable, world-weary side comes across on the bittersweet ballads “I Love You, But Goodbye,” “For a Little While,” “Sunday By the Sea,” and the title track. Building significantly on the stripped-down approach of previous albums, this time Slim is joined by usual bandmates Jeff Ratner (bass) and Malachi DeLorenzo (drums), as well as several guests who contribute keyboards, horns, pedal steel, fiddle, and backing vocals — the fuller sound gives extra punch to the songs. The dynamics and sophisticated arrangements also add much without diluting the folky singalong quality so inherent to Slim’s music. And, as always, his barely contained enthusiasm and distinct, nasally voice and unusual phrasing really gets the songs across. Be Set Free is an charming listen and a step forward for this talented singer-songwriter.