Folk-project Sun Kil Moon is not the machination of a certain North Korean leader, nor is it a violent battle between the leading figures of day and night. Rather, it is the beautiful genius of Mark Kozelek (it’s actually named after Korean boxer Sung-kil Moon!), who you might know from his former band Red House Painters.

Sun Kil Moon’s third proper LP April really could not come during a better month. Aside from the not-so-coincidental similarity between the album’s title and the album’s month of release, April captures everything that early spring brings to the Northern Hemisphere (sorry my dear Australians!). Much like the pitter-patter of spring showers on the roof above our lovely abodes, the tracks on April provide a sense of cozy warmth and appreciation for the blossoming world that lies outside our windows.

Kozelek’s vocals are so comfortingly sweet, calling to mind a country-folk version of Nick Drake, and certainly comparable to some type of bourbon. But what is most poignant about April is the diary-like sentimentality that exudes from it, showcasing Kozelek’s songwriting skills and his band’s instrumentation. “Tonight in Bilbao” is a slow-rolling gem that collects steam as it softly chugs on in the brain long after the song is over. “Harper Road” shows a more vulnerable Kozelek, with his voice cracking falsetto at the chorus’ crescendo. Never outstaying its welcome despite songs as long as 10 minutes, Sun Kil Moon’s April is a folk masterpiece. So take off the rain boots, set the raincoat aside, slip into a pair of those comfy sweatpants, and grab a copy of April.

Listen to “Harper Road” (4.7/5)

Listen to “Tonight in Bilbao” (4.7/5)