On WISHBONE, Long taps into a broader palette of emotions than he has on past releases, eschewing melancholy and eloquently channeling anger and frustration into gritty, hard-driving guitar parts that compliment his rough-hewn vocals. Steel guitar provides an apt counter balance, adding a hint of twang and drawn-out expanse to the urgency put forth in the lyrics. Throughout the album Long displays his deft control of melody and tone, well-practiced over many years of prolific songwriting.