Chuck Ragan

Feast Or Famine

[3.5/5]

Fans have waited long enough for Chuck Ragan’s proper studio debut, barely held over by Los Feliz, an unfulfilling live teaser, reminiscent of the lo-fi haze of the Mountain Goats’ All Hail West Texas, he released earlier this year. At long last, Feast Or Famine clarifies and elaborates on the stripped-down basics of its predecessor, showing Ragan as a versatile musician and a devoted student of the folk tradition. Look to standout tracks like “The Boat,” “The Grove” and the haunting “Do You Pray.” Guest appearances from musicians such as Alkaline Trio’s Matt Skiba, Tim Barry of Avail and the Pogues’ James Fearnley round out the acoustic orchestration of Ragan’s patchwork vision. Lap-steel guitar and harmonica render this solo material several steps away from the distorted, gruff melodies of Hot Water Music, allowing Ragan’s inner Springsteen to shine. (SIDEONEDUMMY) Mike McKee