What next from the singer songwriter who was tagged the next Bob Dylan by some and dismissed as a naval gazing effeminate emo heartthrob by others? He appears to be shying away from past extremes and going for more middle-of-the-road type fare. That is, Conor Oberst sounds content. He’s found a positive vibe with the Mystic Valley Band, who support him as he replaces sprawling and awkward with fun and rollicking.

Outer South is a transitional record for Oberst. The expected elements are there. Acoustic strumming periodically beefed up with an assortment of amplified noises remain his bread and butter. There are also some unexpected turns, such as a dirty organ leading a funk inspired jam(“Roosevelt Room”), a keytar snarl (“Air Mattress”), and most jarring upon first listen, band mates singing lead on almost half the album’s tracks.

While Outer South captures the joy of making music with friends, Oberst is losing his self absorbed tendencies. This would normally be a positive sign of maturation. For Oberst, it means less impassioned responses, both critical and adoring.