In stripping away the name that has secured his indie-fame, Oberst also shies away from the lush, multi-studio production of 2007's Cassadaga.

Assembl ing a collection of musicians now known as the Mystic Valley Band, Oberst spent two months recording in Tepoztlan, Mexico.

It is the place, legend has it, that the Aztec feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl was born.

Oberst is in a more relaxed, less self-conscious state, but key elements of his wildly varying output remain.

Concentrating on the country-rock vibe that has dominated his latter recordings, Oberst is still a restless drifter looking for a clean break. On the opener Cape Canaveral, a sparse, wistful acoustic number, Oberst cites the moon mission launched from the Florida city to begin his escape.

For the 28-year-old this sense of yearning and solace from taking flight is wrapped up in Moab.

While saying goodbye to the US in the relentless electrified blitz of NYC - Gone, Gone, Oberst still offers snippets on the soulessness of Americana.

Critics who have labelled the prodigious talent the `new Dylan' have more material with which to compare here, with smatterings of Elvis Costello and artists like Hank Williams.

The definining career album the self-titled release might suggest it is not - I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning is more consistent and Lifted more vital - but it is a welcome addition for fans.