Wye Oak * Civilian - With music so beautifully sweeping, one would hope the vocals would capture the same result. Instead, vocalist Jenn Wasner mostly mumbles over 40 minutes of lush instrumentation, failing to create a cohesive listen. (B-)
Kurt Vile * Smoke Ring For My Halo - Failing to succumb to any pressure surrounding his earlier work, Kurt Vile delivers an album that further establishes his credibility as one of the most introspective and intoxicating songwriters currently making music. Thoughtful music for the foreground. (A-)
Acrylics * Lives and Treasure - Uninspired synthed-out indie pop from Brooklyn-based duo. [Note to self: save that descriptor for future reviews]. (C)
The Smoking Popes * This Is Only a Test - With all of the 90s revivalism happening in 2011, it'd be easy to mistake The Smoking Popes for an upstart suburban garage band. That's to say that they haven't changed much in 20 (yes...20) years. An easy and enjoyable listen that will please longtime fans. (B)
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