Matthew E. White playing The Fillmore with The Mountain Goats, 12/14/12

Plucked from my old stomping grounds of Richmond, Va., Matthew E. White emerged in the late summer haze with his debut album, Big Inner. Grand and lush in its sound and arrangements, the album was unique in its dedication and breadth. Not much else this year can compare to White’s effortlessly smooth voice, especially on opener track “One of These Days.” As the year draws to a close and the annual Best-Of-The-Year lists we all love to hate or hate to love are published, White’s seven-track album is making early sweeps.

Released on his own Spacebomb Records, Big Inner‘s success has White and his eight-piece band touring with friends The Mountain Goats and coming to the Bay this week.

Here’s White’s official video for “Will You Love Me,” which shows him at home with his nothing-short-of-epic beard slow-mo tinkering on a piano.