On Josh Ritter’s tenth album in twenty years, “Fever Breaks” he shakes up the consistency he is so well known for and adds a new dimension to his music through a perfect musical partnership with multi-grammy award winner Jason Isbell as his producer and band leader.

Isbell’s 400 Unit ramps up the emotional level and when Amandas Shires harmonizes she brings out the poignancy of Ritter’s songs.

With his keen observations wrapped in poetic imagery, Ritter’s songs are about politics, the human condition and good old fashioned break-ups. His heartland rockers enhanced by Isbell’s workman–like inspiration.

The harder edge that Isbell’s band adds to Ritter’s songs is evidence of an artist who keeps pushing his comfort zone to experiment with different arrangements, and in taking that risk, Josh Ritter has hit the sweet spot.  

 

• 
•