Students may enjoy a break from mainstream music with Iron & Wine, a solo artist who has released a new album.

Austin based singer-song writer Sam Beam, a.k.a Iron & Wine, puts forth his latest effort with Kiss Each Other Clean.

Kiss Each Other Clean finds Iron and Wine at the top of his game creatively, lyrically and musically.  While this album is further away from his subtle, soft-spoken melodies and wistful guitar roots, it also feels like Kiss Each Other Clean is the most natural progression for Beam’s music.  Especially coming off of his last album, The Shepard’s Dog (2007).  Hints of funk, pop and a touch of synth combine with Iron & Wine’s folk heritage to create a new sound and a new direction for Beam.

The album breaks you in with Walking Far From Home, a song that begins with a dark sense of melancholy that slowly transforms into a sweeping melody, backed with low driven synth, a simple drum kit and a collection of harmonies that imparts a feeling of optimism and hope.  It’s as if Beam is guiding us into his work while saying “Yes, it’s new and different but this music is still what’s in my soul.”

Tree by the River is being released as the album’s first single.  Imagine yourself in the seat of a 1966 T-Bird, top down, slowly drifting down the road on the first day spring.  You turn on the radio and a steady kick drum sets the pace.  Soft yet sweet, backing vocals remind you of the time of year and Sam Beam’s artfully crafted lyrics tell the story.

If you’re already a fan of Iron and Wine and are looking for something along the lines of Sam Beam’s earlier works, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Godless Brother in Love.  With only a guitar and a gentle piano to back up Beam, we’re given a story that seems regretful yet proud and full of ethereal harmonies to carry us along.   Proof (if you needed any) that Sam Beam still has the power to inspire with just the essentials.

This is Beam’s 3rd full-length album and the first with his new label, Warner Bros. Records.

Kiss Each Other Clean will be in stores on iTunes Jan. 25th.

*** Tree By The River and Godless Brother In Love can both be heard on KWTS 91.1 online at www.wtamu.edu/kwts