You can immediately recognize the playing of Patrick Krief, guitarist extraordinaire for The Dears, on this new solo release. In fact, even his soulful vocals sometimes echo those of Murray Lightburn, so fans of The Dears are sure to enjoy Hundred Thousand Pieces. Having honed his singer-songwriter skills as the leader of Black Diamond Bay for a few years, Krief delivers a truly stunning album here, opening his heart via nakedly personal lyrics, which he surrounds with sublime arrangements that cover an impressive scope. There are plenty of guitars, of course, but also proggy synths, a dash of strings here and there and other trippy flourishes. Among many highlights, Tell Yourself shines particularly bright.