BEING touted as the next "voice of a generation" before every record release must get to you after a while.
Conor Oberst, the mercurial musical force behind Bright Eyes, is lazily labelled as Dylan's natural heir (despite the great man still making great records). And yet Oberst seems unaffected by all the attention.
Perhaps he realises that he is yet to fulfil his potential and produce a classic album. Cassadaga is still not it.
It again shows off Oberst's songwriter range and lyrical ability, but too often descends into dullness.
Writing about mysticism and the evils of war and organised religion, Bright Eyes have plenty to say, and are most effective when keeping the arrangements simple.
More mainstream than on previous albums, the single Four Winds is not unlike a Dexys Midnight Runners number, and, with great support from the string section, Lime Tree is Oberst at his most heartfelt. However, will his talent ever fully blossom?
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