Alec Ounsworth
Mo Beauty - Anti-
FILTER Grade: 84%

The second album from Alec Ounsworth’s main band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah was like the little brother who may very well have been very good, but couldn’t possibly measure up to the all-star quarterback older brother whose shadow had grown impossibly large. Taking a break after the sophomore slump (relatively speaking), Ounsworth headed to New Orleans to record Mo Beauty, a solo album that has all of the expected quirky vocals and songwriting but also seems more content with its own identity. Supported by a new cast of musicians and soaking up the atmosphere, Ounsworth has crafted an album that transitions seamlessly from ballads like “Holy, Holy, Holy Moses” to more frenetic tracks like the standout “That is Not My home,” with a straightforward sound that lets the songwriting and hooks resonate without being over-produced. The oldest brother is still out there pulling people out of burning cars, but the youngest brother has plenty to offer—and is well worth getting to know.