Though Seattle’s folk favorites Dutchess & The Duke have folded, the beat goes on for frontman Jesse Lortz. Lortz is back with a new solo album under the guise of Case Studies. The World is Just a Shape to Fill the Night is a venerable attempt to instantiate Lortz into the upper echelons of talented songwriters who’ve struck it out alone- Leonard Cohen may be a stretch, but certainly Townes Van Zandt comparisons can be within reach. Recorded with Greg Ashley (Gris Gris) and with help from friends including Crystal Stilts’ Keegan Cooke on drums and guitar, The World is Just a Shape to Fill the Night is a well-tempered solo debut that slowly sinks its hooks into you with repeated listens. The album is out now on Sacred Bones.
