On Some Echoes, the band don’t look to conquer new territory as much as expand upon what they’ve already cultivated: Less virtuosity and more memorability.
Always a pleasant foray into Beatles dippy psychedelic pop. They’ve had “eclectic” concept albums and can sing silly lyrics without being trendy ironic.
Two of Decibully’s players were in The Promise Ring’s final line-up. Those who didn’t appreciate Wood/Water are bags of wet monkey asses and obviously deaf.
All nine songs on Long Knives Drawn are packed with conviction, from bassist/vocalist Caithlin De Marrais’ confident howl to the abundance of melodic hooks.
Multi-instrumentalist/songwriter supreme Mike Kinsella is back with his second Owen disc, again writing, peforming, recording, and producing everything himself.
Pele have given up their free-form jazz/math indie jams for a “rockier” sound. Still upbeat and youthful, but no longer patiently stacking layers of secrets.
Same delicate, shuffling chamber pop that brings to mind The Divine Comedy and Rachel’s (without sounding like either), but the songs are stronger this time.