Appalachian folk hero Daniel Bachman is back with another breathtaking collection of guitar instrumentals. Sure, he’s clearly in the same league as Jack Rose, John Fahey, Jordan Tice, and Sir Richard Bishop, but this young fingerpicker has found a style that asserts his virtuosity on his own terms. Whether his mood is at its most tranquil and plaintive, or frothing with relentless fervor, his playing is full of unique harmonic ideas. This guy is at the forefront of folk and bluegrass—I can’t wait to hear what he’s got in store for us next.

1. (8:43) Rapid, joyful passages of harmonious folk bliss, concludes in some meditative modal meanderings.
2. (7:07) Slow peaceful raga at first, then he jumps into some upbeat runs with shimmering melodic textures.
3. (6:35) Passionate, declarative old-timey rag.
4. (4:05) Gentle drifting lullaby: echoing hypnagogic motifs swirl in a dreamy haze.
5. (6:49) Pensive, melancholy, jesus fucking christ it’s actually heartbreaking. It’s still in his rapidfire dueling-banjos style, but goddamn, it feels like I just relived all my saddest moments.
6. (4:36) Scintillating guru-tastic raga explorations—hard to tell how many guitar tracks are on here, but it feels like there are infinite layers of bliss.
7. (5:47) Nostalgic yet hopeful. Galloping. Transcendental.