Justin Townes Earle’s ability to create characters through his songs has never been sharper than on his new album “The Saint of Lost Causes.” His focus is not on his own inner demons but on the reality of the outside world and how it affects the disenfranchised he sings about.

Using a variety of rootsy arrangements from blues shuffle to gothic folk ballads, Earle tells stories involving crime and addiction, corporate greed and living hand to mouth; dark subjects that he humanizes with the compelling narrative he creates for each tale.

With a minimal amount of backing, these mostly acoustic gems are highlighted by the subtle rhythm section, a deep, rich steel guitar sound, harmonica and guitar each getting their turn in the spotlight.

"The Saint of Lost Causes" begins Justin Townes Earle’s second decade as a compelling singer-songwriter. Putting his family issues behind him on his three previous albums, the new one turns a more outward, societal gaze and it’s character sketches are some of his most relatable.  

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