Tom Lynch

Leader of Sun Kil Moon and the defunct Red House Painters—as well as a recording/touring artist under his own name, as evidenced on this jaunt—Mark Kozelek, indie-folk singer-songwriter mega-talent, has succeeded in breaking all hearts once again with “April,” the recently released second record or original material by Sun Kil Moon, a long, long journey led by melancholic acoustic guitars, jammy, rhythmic instrumental interludes and Kozelek’s warm, soothing voice. (A song like record-opener “Lost Verses,” with its reflective lyrical content and gentle approach to transitions and progressions, is exactly what Kozelek does best and introduces the record just as it should be introduced.) Since he’s touring under his own name, expect a set list filled with material spanning his entire career—from the early Red House Painters sentimentality to the cover-record material of AC/DC and Modest Mouse and on. I’ve seen Kozelek twice—once solo and once with a team of guitarists and violinists—and both times I’ve emerged a bit weepy. I wouldn’t expect anything different tonight.

Mark Kozelek plays June 8 at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 North Lincoln, (773)728-6000, at 8pm.

(2008-06-03)

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