Justin Rutledge — Man Descending

Rutledge's sound has improved and evolved on each release. His third album is no exception. Its subtle and understated arrangements are some of the most beautiful he's written. "Greenwich Time" begins with simple guitar, but by the time it finishes, it's turned into a mini choral opus of sorts, which improves upon ideas introduced on The Devil On A Bench In Stanley Park's "Does It Make You Rain?" You'll also discover Rutledge's lyrics are stronger than ever on Man Descending. "A Penny For The Band" is already beautiful with its delicate piano, guitar and cello, but when you add lyrical couplets like "This life is like a set list scrawled across the nation/If I miss you at the sound check then I'll see you at the station," it becomes a winner. This is his best album yet.