Right Away, Great Captain, the brain child of Manchester Orchestra frontman Andy Hull, returns with his second installment in a trilogy of conceptual albums. Each album is a collection of journal entries detailing a sailor’s journey through madness and despair after finding his wife cheating on him with his brother. The Eventually Home is a much more produced and concise effort than it’s predecessor “The Bitter End” which was recorded in a secluded log cabin much like Bon Iver’s acclaimed debut. Where The Bitter End seemed to drag at times and required much more effort from the listener, The Eventually Home is much shorter and less bloated which makes it a much more accessible album.

The difference between the two albums is heard right off on the opener “Down To Your Soul” which has been remade since its debut on RAGC’s myspace earlier this year. Lush and full instrumentation accompany Hull’s narrative which juxtaposes from The Bitter End’s stark acoustics. Hull shines on these more “upbeat” parts of the album that keep it alive. On my favorite song of the album “Anna, No”, Hull showcases his narrative prowess and evergrowing evolution as a songwriter with lyrics that drag the listener into the depths of the story:

“Well, after I ate I went outside
To catch some air
And to walk off my drink
I rolled tobacco
And watched as the smoke rolled
And magically like you left me
I made a firm fist and,
Pissed, thought it brilliant
To throw my hand into the door
I knew I would have to
Admit that I was wrong
I decided to talk no more”

In both of his projects, Andy Hull has never been one to make his songs more complex than they need to be, which is probably what has made me enjoy him so much. The songs, which are simple and sincere, demand repeated listens, and despite their simplistic structure, reveal their many layers which each listen. On songs such as the aforementioned “Anna, No” and “The Devil Dressed In Blue” the simple brilliance in his songwriting is demonstrated which such ease, that it’s hard for the album to really get any better.

The main thing that keeps this album from being perfect is found on the slower side of the album on songs such as “I Am A Vampire” and “Once Like You” which become necessary evils to the album. These brooding songs come off as painfully slow upon the first few listens, but are still needed to display the full range of emotion in the sailor’s story.

In the end, “The Eventually Home” serves it’s purpose, while showcasing a huge amount of progression in songwriting. Upon repeated listens, much like its predecessor, this album will take you in, captivate and engross you in it’s bitter tale which is why, despite it’s minor flaws, it is one of 2008′s best.