Though Cory Chisel expresses in “Born Again” that “mama didn’t raise me to be no Christian,” his upbringing would suggest otherwise; the Appleton based songwriter was the son of a Baptist minister. Naturally, the religious beliefs and hymnals that once immersed him have become an influence in his dark, imaginative folk music. His most recent and finest effort, *Death Won’t Send a Letter*, reveals the restless singer’s search for meaning in death, love, and spirituality.

The 11-track album begins with “Born Again,” a haunting ballad that reexamines the faith that the singer grew up with. In his rich voice Chisel sings, “I’ve been living in a motel of sin / But I wouldn’t trade my life for the one you’re living.” Chisel may not align with the principles of Christianity, but he’s not saying he hasn’t tried: “I’ve been walking that long mile again / Cause I’d never fit the shoes like the ones you were given.” Like a lot of songs on *Death*, “Born Again,” displays the singer’s struggle in fulfilling the expectations of a faithful existence. His candid lyricism is exceptional, but the musicianship is even better.

Chisel enlisted an all-star cast of musicians to take the role of his backing band for *Death Wont Send a Letter.* Members of The Raconteurs and My Morning Jacket transformed Chisel’s sparse arrangements into fully orchestrated rock songs. The singer’s soulful voice coupled with the graceful, unobtrusive instrumentation creates irresistible melodies.

“So Wrong for Me” and “What Do You Need” feature the album’s catchiest hooks, but beneath the beautiful melody is pain. Chisel displays a world where even his own friends “don’t understand anything” about him and narrates a seemingly-satisfying relationship, but its “love is so wrong.” Taking nods from musical elders like Bob Dylan, Chisel’s poetic music is full of ambiguity and mystery, but there’s no need for resolution.

If Chisel’s message could be traced, it would lie in the album’s title, *Death Won’t Send a Letter.* Chisel stresses the immediacy and importance of life in a convincing manner – perhaps a testament of his father’s ministry. Chisel warns, “Oh my dear friend / Please don’t be careless with time,” and some humble preaching by Chisel is surely worth the time.