Jeffrey Lewis’ latest album, A Turn In The Dream-Songs, exhibits all the trademark lyrical humour and self-depreciation now anticipated in the New York anti-folk hero’s every release. He reveres us with stories about bad break-ups and suicide attempts gone awry – all with the kind of wit you’d expect from someone who once sang about getting forcefully bummed and beaten by Will Oldham.

The first song, To Go and Return, is an introduction, an early morning reverie, to his world. His turn of a phrase always pleases, and he’s equipped with a voice that elicits laughter. How Can It Be wraps us up in sing-song pop, where Lewis opens up about his insecurities, mocking his own feelings of inadequacy in a past relationship. He’s never one to lie to anyone about his feelings.

Boom Tube breaks away from the more twee aspects of the album, bringing delivering a short, folksy, instrumental. Try It Again is a head-bobbing ode to trying things again and not giving up – minus the cheesy, self-help bullshit. When You’re By Yourself is a comical tale about what you should do if you’re dining alone at a restaurant. It seems like an almost nonsensical worry, but it’s something everyone thinks about. At least we do.

An overall favourite is Cult Boyfriend, a song you can listen to and wonder how self-effacing Lewis can be. He’s aware that he’s whining about not being über famous, but he’s willing to make fun of himself and his situation. Something we can all take heart from.

-Alma Verdejo-