The Hanged Man, Leo’s first solo release not to be credited to Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, feels like a release valve after a period of both creative productivity—an entire second album’s worth of songs has yet to be released—and intense frustration and trauma. It’s also the prettiest album he’s released to date, with lush arrangements, gorgeous balladry, and just the right amount of saxophone. And, expectedly, some blistering punk songs for good measure.