Fort Lowell might be situated on the Carolina coast, but Naïm Amor is very clearly from Arizona. From the first reverb-kissed note of this set (six instrumentals and three songs with vocals), Amor proclaims his not-quite-west-coast bona fides loud and clear. I suppose the feel might also be described as contemplative, possibly depressed cowboy, but that's definitely getting a bit too specific for an artist who has a wide-open sound.

Naïm Amor Stories (Fort Lowell Records)

These pieces tend to build from simple beginnings into almost orchestral crescendos before fading back again. I will note, again, Amor does hail from Arizona. There are hints of Link Wray and Duane Eddy (only fitting, as rockabilly was perfected just a few hundred miles east in the eastern New Mexico town where I went to high school), especially in the vocal tracks (I'll leave you to track the incongruities).

Mostly, though, this is an album that never quite crashes through its cool, languid, western palette. Even when he gets exuberant, Amor is still in full control. The lush, almost mono production isn't at all out of place. In fact, it's kinda perfect.

If Calexico means anything to you, then by all means give a listen. Amor isn't really all that close in writing or playing styles, and yet there's a kindred vibe. Definitely of a place, though timeless. The sun is always setting, but it never reaches the horizon.

Jon Worley