Every tune on the record features piano in a major capacity, with Ayer’s lilting, deliberate voice guiding the melodies with nuance and assurance. “Hawaiian License Plates.” dips and soars, while “Lake Tahoe.” pulls the tempo back down like an R & B torch song sung at 3 a.m.“Everything.” features a ripping horn wail, and Ayer’s heart-worn vocals over the steady click track on the lovelorn “Love Me Like I’m Gone.” take the song to dramatic heights. As the Radiohead-recalling final song, “Nightlight.,” starts and ends with Ayer’s simple, rhythmic piano chords and gentle croon, Jaws of Love.’s place and power are cemented.
RIYL: James Blake, Radiohead, Sampha, Portishead, Sufjan Stevens, Local Natives, Bon Iver
TRACK LISTING
1. Jaws Of Love.
2. Hawaiian License Plates.
3. Lake Tahoe.
4. Microwaves
5. Shrink...
6. Everything.
7. Love Me Like I’m Gone.
8. Before The Hurting Lands.
9. Costa Rica.
10. Nightlight.