Timeless is an almost useless descriptor, by definition. But on rare occasions it does the job perfectly. Avi Kaplan's voice is straight out of classic country casting, and producer Shooter Jennings knows just how to center Kaplan's vision of Big Sky americana.

Avi Kaplan Floating on a Dream (Fantasy Records)

Kaplan himself describes this album as Ennio Morricone meets Bill Withers. While not a perfect description (Kaplan doesn't rely on showy licks, and his voice doesn't quite have Withers's wearied strength), the mixture of western moods, folk sensibilities and soulful delivery does fit.

This album is ruminative (that's where the folk shows its lines most) and takes its time. Something akin to a cowboy choir lends its support, and Kaplan's voice often trends into the high lonesome. But where modern country artists dive in and punch up the sound, Jennings provides a broad canvas for Kaplan's discursive style.

I think I'm going to renege on my first description. This album isn't timeless. It's out of time altogether. From the start, its haunting tone and deeply introspective songs challenge a listener to face unpleasant truths. This is Kaplan's first full solo album after leaving Pentatonix, and by the sound of it, it will be far from his last. There's a storm a comin'.

Jon Worley