Dolorean - The Unfazed

The Unfazed is the fourth album from Dolorean, a Portland OR-based folk/rock and alt-country collective led by singer/songwriter Al James. The music is both grandly conceived and meticulously crafted on a smaller human scale, intelligent and thoughtful without being weighed down by it's own refined ambition. In the past, James has attempted to bring a looser feel to the band's sound, particularly on the more improvisational 2007 album You Can't Win. But the graceful arc, quiet force and organic sound that has marked the Dolorean sound remains the critical focal point.

Some much needed downtime and creative soul searching -- plus a new label (Partisan) and guitarist (Jon Neufield) -- brings the band to a significant turning point after nearly a decade of recording and touring. The Unfazed songs are inspired and seemingly lit from within, the output of a songwriter and band both seasoned and restless for new paths to explore. "Hard Working Dogs" features a series of glorious anthemic chord progressions channeling both Wilco and Neil Young, richly ornate instrumentation that doesn't get in the way of James' weary vocal melody. The moving break-up song "Country Clutter", a lovely duet with Texas singer Mara Lee Miller, sets a half-lit scene of despair, longing and regret while the sublime title track finds the sweet spot between somber Band-like Americana and affirming folk splendor.

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Dolorean - "The Unfazed" (from the album The Unfazed)

Dolorean - "Hard Working Dogs" (from the album The Unfazed)