Whether or not he's had the experiences that he writes about, it's undeniable that Dylan leBlanc can write great songs about universal experiences of loss, pain and regret, because this record is full of them. 'Low' is a wonderful opening to the record, showcasing leBlanc's songwriting talent and the voice that sounds as though it belongs to someone much older than twenty years old. 'If the Creek Don't Rise' is magical and intensely painful, and 'Emma Hartley' is gorgeous, with a beautiful strings accompaniment to leBlanc's fingerpicking.

I'm fascinated by musicians who can pour out this many good songs at such a tender age. 20 year old Dylan LeBlanc is one man to pick up the mantle from the now ageing 25 year old Zach Condon (of Beirut). Where has Dylan got that 40-cigarettes-a-day tone from? How do either have enough life experiences to write an album full of songs about the kind of problems that afflict singer-songwriters (and the rest of us)?

In Dylan's case, I think it's largely imagined. There are too many stories of sadness and pain-soothing whiskey for it to be believable, and that, for me, takes some of the edge off what is still a fine record.

It's not an album of end-to-end classics, but there are more than enough for it to be worthy of your time if you have an interest in alt-country and Americana. My particular favourites are different to the previous reviewer's: the slide-guitar driven opener, Low, and the most heartbreaking track on the album, Emma Hartley.

A lot of potential. Some of the songs are brilliant (Tuesday Night Rain, If The Creek Don't Rise) but some feel a little weak to me. However it is clear his songwriting ability is exceptional and despite his youth, his interesting back story translates into moving and believeable songs. He displays a great understanding of space and build up in his songs, and his voice has a great weary but soulful quality. I will find out in a few weeks whether he can perform the songs live as well as he does on record.