Rating: NNNN
Having not yet completely exorcized the tortured spirit of Karen Dalton, junior mystic Devendra Banhart still howls the cosmic blues with that familiar raspy lilt, but the lo-fi static of his previous recordings has been replaced here with the tasteful texturing of acoustic bass, drums and piano on some of his most self-assured sessions yet released. Rejoicing In The Hands maintains that captivating loner-stoner vibe, so there are bound to be comparisons to the work of fellow outsiders Skip Spence, Syd Barrett and even Marc Bolan, but Banhart’s quickly developing an unsettling voice all his own. Creepy good. Expect Banhart’s Nino Rojo follow-up to appear in late September.
