Jeremy Casella - Death In Reverse (2014)

Jeremy Casella has finally released a follow-up to his infectiously melodic chamber pop / synth-folk gem, Recovery (2007), and it's a stunner. With painterly craft, Casella explores the deeply evocative theme of resurrection, the death in reverse of the title, through an impressively hook-laden set of songs that live somewhere in the very human space where joy and sorrow meet. Casella's lyrics grapple with the reality of deep disapointment, intense pain and devastating loss, while pushing through to an exuberant joy founded on the hope of renewal and the ultimate triumph of divine beauty. This is a career best from a master singer-songwriter. Highest recommendation.