A powerful but discreet voice of the Americana music genre: John Moreland is above all a composer sure of his own words, with aesthetic melodies and touching inflections galore. This fifth album from the Oklahoma songwriter, the suitably named LP5 is a new exercise in roots, rural folk, soft rocky country, blues and soul. The early years of Springsteen or Steve Earle are often not too far away. Moreland displays an original level of vulnerability when intimately exploring the theme of confession on LP5, which was directed by drummer/producer Matt Pence. The emotional depth of his singing, just like the sincerity of his words only highlight his melancholy and even his solitude. There aren’t many laughs but there’s certainly a lot of resonance on this beautiful album which projects a comfy sonic image. © Marc Zisman/Qobuz