The restlessly creative singer, guitarist and songwriter Will Johnson (formerly of Centro-Matic), engages in more introspection than actual sadness on Wire Mountain. Now based in Austin, TX, Johnson has enlisted several local contributors, including Lindsey Verrill (of minimalist folk-duo Little Mazarn), Britton Beisenherz (owner of Ramble Creek Studio where the album was made), multi-instrumentalist Thor Harris (Swans, Shearwater), and guitarist Jon Dee Graham, for his sixth solo album. The subtle addition of Verrill infuses Wire Mountain's best songs with attractive life. The pounding menace of opener "Necessitarianism" (Johnson has a decided gift for portentous song titles) is leavened several tracks later by "Gasconade," a slow, atmospheric vocal duo between he and Verrill, where she plucks notes on banjo and slowly bows both violin and cello, adding an effective, uneasy presence behind their fragile, bittersweet vocals. Sonically, the vibe is spare and clear, low key and acousti, but not lo-fi. Set to a peculiar rhythm, "To The Shepard, To The Lion," and the smooth, tuneful "Shadow Matter," are other sunnier highlights in this reflective collection from an increasingly consistent musical ruminator. © Robert Baird/Qobuz