The product of a domestic crisis and subsequent trip to Mexico, 'Muchacho' is an epic piece of Americana and further high point in the trajectory of Matthew Houck. Grand productions with horns, piano, pedal steel and electronics mark this out as the work of a restlessly creative and individual songwriter...

My absolute favourite Phosphorescent album. Even though the album was born out of turbulence, I've never met more calming, meditative sounds. Matthew Houck and Damien Jurado are amongst the few artists I've come across that manage to transform pain into something so serene. If you need a break from everyday rush and feel like standing in the middle of nowhere under a waterfall, I suggest this as an equally beautiful alternative. Standout trakcs include 'Sun, Arise!', 'Song for Zula' and 'Ride On/Right On'.

By Martha