Joseph Arthur – The Graduation Ceremony

Returning with his first solo offering since the release of 2006’s Nuclear Daydream, Ohio-based raconteur Joseph Arthur’s sixth studio album charts rather more uplifting, less emotionally weighted waters than past releases. Wholly embracing his country persona, Arthur spins mid-American tales to the backdrop of twinkling piano, swooning strings and a harmony of duets, undershot with an uplifting, at times almost celebratory air.

The dusky waltz of opener Out on a Limb, and tender romance of Horses make for a nice, if somewhat understated start, which is only halted mid way through the album by the rather more bruised and brooding Over the Sun; it’s the album’s strongest track, providing a stark reminder that whilst The Graduation Ceremony makes for a perfectly fine addition to Arthur’s catalogue, by his own high standards he can do so much more. [Paul Neeson]