IRON AND WINE - Hen’s Teeth

The new album by Iron & Wine, “Hen’s Teeth”, is a project that in some ways mirrors the previous chapter “Light Verse” from 2024, having been recorded during the same sessions with the now-inseparable David Garza (guitar), Tyler Chester (organ and keyboards) and Sebastian Steinberg (bass). These are ten new songs with a broad sonic spectrum that once again highlight Sam Beam's passion for the country-folk tradition of Los Angeles.

While “Light Verse” at times felt slightly awkward, “Hen’s Teeth” possesses a fluidity and breadth that allow the artist to engage with sun-drenched, postcard-perfect Brazilian sounds on “Defiance Ohio” and with a refined dialogue between voice and bass that brings back the notable jazz influences already explored on the album “Kiss Each Other Clean”, on the sensual, coy “Dates And Dead People”.

It's clear that Iron & Wine's records are becoming less intimate and aching, but undoubtedly more empathetic and communicative, more inclined toward imperfection and languor. The voice doesn't linger in melancholy, and the timbre often recalls Ian Matthews, especially when Laurel Canyon-style country inflections take over, as on “Robin’s Egg” (with I’m With Her on backing vocals) and “Roses”.

With “Hen’s Teeth”, the musician consolidates a creative space where the defining traits of his style – the confidential voice and the direct, unpolished guitar touch – stand out even more, whether elaborate (the dreamlike “Singing Saw”) or delightfully simple (the solid chamber-folk of “Wait Up”, which again features I’m With Her on backing vocals): these songs all have a personality of their own.

“Grace Notes” earns the title of the album's most ambitious and successful track: mandolin and violin swirl above the vocals, while the piano spikes the turbulent harmonies with a touch of swing, building to an emotional crescendo that leaves its mark. While many songwriters chase after aching, sorrowful tales, drifting ever closer to gothic-folk territory, Sam Beam tries to depict the unease of contemporary man with a sweetness and delicacy that leave room for hope — and for once, being at peace isn't a sin.

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20/02/2026