Former Acoustic Junction frontman Reed Foehl’s marvelous Lost in the West places the listener out on a remote stretch of highway, mind-swept in these gorgeously emotive sonic landscapes. The cinematic arrangements and enrapturing, yet delicate vocal delivery on tunes like the opening “Four Lanes” conjure up parallels to polished troubadour peers like M. Ward (Hold Time-era). A backdrop of delicate Stratocaster, slow-burning Wurlitzer runs and subtle string arrangements help this “east Jersey cowboy lost in the west” paint picturesque mind movies throughout. With guest vocalist Frazey Ford of The
Be Good Tanyas adding another layer of harmony, Foehl delivers lived-in lyrics like, “Just take that ole sweet ride/ Down the long painted line/ Dreaming of the wild, waving star” on standout track “Caroline.” With only seven songs clocking in at just over 33 minutes, it’s very easy to find yourself wanting to spin this one over and over again.