His latest release is blessed with warmth, indelible melodies, and stories to tell from SJD's askew, dryly witty point of view.
Unlike its laptop-driven predecessor, Electric Wasteland, it's an album of SJD and musicians (some better known than he) producing a set big on gentle guitars, orchestral adornments, sweet harmonies and nifty details.
The often rich arrangements sometimes remind of the wide-screen gorgeousness of Beck's Morning Phase.
It may not win any prizes for bold experimentation.
But Saint John Divine is truly blessed with SJD's best set of hymns yet. Praise be.
• SJD. Saint John Divine. Roundtripmars.
• Five stars (out of five)
- Russell Baillie
