Wye Oak, Civilian
Some call this folk music, but it’s much too far-ranging a set to be confined to one label. Singer Jenn
Wasner and multi-instrumentalist Andy Stack delve into all kinds of sonic corners on Civilian, from the lush, atmospheric opener “Two Small Deaths” to the droning, shoe-gazer rock of “Holy Holy” to the pop-meets-bluesy stomp of “Dog Eyes” to the slow-building title track that moves from delicate folk into a full-on noisy guitar freak-out without ever losing the beauty of the duo’s harmonizing vocals underneath. Wasner’s voice is a particularly beguiling one, enticing listeners to almost physically lean forward to be sure to hear every word within the crowded sonic soundscape created by engineer John Congleton. (Wye Oak plays Kilby Court April 1). (Merge)
Cory Mon & The Starlight Gospel, Turncoats
With a pliable voice that veers from somewhere near The Waterboys’ Mike Scott to Tom Waits’ gravelly
croon, Cory Mon is capable of evoking any number of emotions in the listener’s imagination. This 11-song set by one of three top finishers in the 2011 City Weekly Music Awards is remarkably assured; Mon has a definite vision and it’s present in everything from the dusty folk-rock of songs like “Gypsy” and the addictive “3 Step” to the Old West motif of the album’s artwork. “Hold” and “Colors Fade” are both winning ballads, and the harmonica-fueled “Broken Train” is a highlight. Throughout, guitarist Eric Ellsworth proves a worthy partner/foil to bandleader Mon. Turncoats is a strong addition to the band’s catalog. (My Forlorn Wallet)