Willy Mason is just another young kid making folk music. Dime a dozen, right? Wrong.

Where The Humans Eat is the debut full-length from the Massachusetts-born musician, and it's pretty damn good for a rookie release. It's melodic and soft, and it churns my memories and thoughts of past years and good friends. It's hard to think that a kid almost ten years younger than me can create something that evokes this kind of reaction from me. After all, I'm a hardened soulless douche bag, right?

The last time I reacted to an album in a similar manner was when I received Damien Rice's O for review a few months back. Mason is Rice's equal, and I'd love to see a tag-team tour. Mason's lyrics remind me of Mike Doughty's solo work, and that's alright by me. Willy is more "folky" than Doughty, I suppose, but their themes and sounds are definitely similar.

Unfortunately, the CD I got for review didn't come with a track listing, so I can't direct you toward certain songs that stand out more than others. Fortunately, however, this entire disc is solid and perfect, from opening song to closing track. And I think that's kind of the point. Where The Humans Eat is meant to be enjoyed as a whole, and not in parts. So seek this masterpiece out, and maybe this kid will have the same effect on you.