“For his second solo outing, Mojave 3/Slowdive principal Halstead relocated from 4AD to Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records. Which seems a good fit, as the warm, reflective nature of Halstead’s music is in step with Johnson’s laid-back vibe, minus any surfer-boy groove. Essentially, “Engine” is Mojave 3 lite. The album is dominated by soft acoustic numbers with a subtle folk twist. Keyboards back the optimistic “Always the Good,” and delicate mandolin decorates “Witless or Wise” and “A Gentle Heart.” The album’s pastoral hue makes Nick Drake comparisons obvious, though nothing here feels imitated. For proof, see the awesomely titled bittersweet love song “Baby, I Grew You a Beard,” with lines like, “I know that you’ll love the man/Whose follicles are growing just for you.” —Jill Menze”
