Songs About a Sick Boy

One would be justifiably wary of an album that consists entirely of a man's attempt to document more than a decade's worth of illness, addiction and mental breakdown. Such is the story of Stephen Howard's solo debut. Though he's spent time with acts as diverse as Pinebender, Ambulette and Mississippi Heat, his latest musical foray reflects an intensely personal side. Fittingly, the music is slow and calm, not unlike the kings of the form, Codeine and Low. While lyrically and musically downcast, the songs are engaging. Howard doesn't include much in the way of dynamics or solid hooks, yet the album becomes oddly infectious after multiple listens. "Edie and Willis" and "I Heart Sweden" pick up the pace and demonstrate Howard's ability to craft superior pop songs-when he isn't mired in despair. 

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Edie and Willis