Overwhelmed in layers and heart-pounding beats, this raw and rugged track stimulates as Stout's rich vocals permeate, leveling out the uneven topography. "To Prague and Back" conjures it's rustic comeliness through tempered guitar strums as they come to a crescendo, following suite with the fervent and intelligent blend of minimal folk storytelling and electronic washes. Earthy and arid "First Song For Jaclyn" burrows Stout's cozy voice into every crack and corner of his contemplative lyrics. "Fountain of Youth" remains comparable to M. Ward in this stagnant and eerie number fond of spectral whistles and nostalgic coos. Gracefully rendered "The Ballad of Curtis Jones" trickles and mewls, but proudly illustrate a man's sentimental life. While closer "The Story Of My Life" is a psychedelic showcase of UFO washes and heaving beats. These curious beasts tremble as Stout carefully and clearly narrates his travels and tribulations in being a musician and becoming a man.

Amidst Stout's simple melodies and ethereal sounds are the fragile atmospherics of a young man whose talent resides in his reflective stories as much as his musical interpretations. Within each and every song is a piece of a person's life; whether loved one or stranger, and along with these lives come the futures they make for themselves. As ironic as it is to say that the simplest matters in life can become the most important ideas for the future, it is no understatement. By incorporating sounds reminiscent of past musicians and by demonstrating songs we have somehow helped to inspire, Stout is thus able to explore the varied wonder of our existence.