4AD

In January, Iron & Wine released their first album for 4AD, Kiss Each Other Clean, on CD, LP and download.Returning from a three year recording hiatus, Kiss Each Other Clean proved Iron & Wine's time away from the spotlight was well spent. Not one to rest on laurels, Kiss Each Other Clean continued from where previous album The Shepherd’s Dog left off.

The trademark hushed vocals and plaintive acoustic guitar of Sam Beam remained, but this time were complimented by multi-layered productions and a greater rhythmical sophistication. This progression is in part attributable to his new backing band, now expanded to an impressive seven members. Despite this swell in personnel, the songs retain the ornate elegance long associated with Iron & Wine, but are stretched in new directions. At once both funky and downhome, Kiss Each Other Clean hints at a variety of AM radio influences and a keen poetic sensibility. Ultimately though, it serves to underline the unique songwriting talent of Sam Beam and his continued development as an artist.