Recorded in Glasgow, Scotland with Aidan Moffat and David Gow of Arab Strap, and Ali Roberts of Appendix Out, The Lioness explores similar territory as the previous Songs: Ohia album, Axxess and Ace, namely the volatility of relationships. But the mood here is much bleaker than the previous album, and there’s more of a feeling a desperation in Jason Molina’s vocals. On the opening track, “The Black Crow,” he sings “I look down / and see the whole world / and it’s fading.” With the rest of the album, Molina personalizes the universal, lamenting fading love and clinging to it for dear life. Sonically, there is more experimentation on The Lioness than other releases, with flashes of keyboards and duel guitars, but the hallmark, as always, is Molina’s inimitable voice. – Jason Nickey