WYE OAK – CIVILIAN
It is always rewarding to see a band, a performer, or in this case a duo, expanding upon what they do. With a couple of albums and an EP under their belt, Wye Oak have stepped up to the plate with Civilian and broken the indie-shackles of sorts. With the simple guitar/voice of Jenn Wasner and drumming of Andy Stack, the duo have somehow expanded their sound without really changing what they do. The guitars still chime and bite in equal measure, and the drums still hold the floor, keeping it simple and subtle. Perhaps it is the extra lilt in Wasner’s voice, or a slight spring in their collective musical step. When they let loose on Holy Holy they bring back the best of 90’s indie rock a la Lush, Swervedriver, Pavement et al; while Wasner proves she has one of the best female indie rock voices going around, at once both husky and powerful, with surprising depth. The electronic beats of Dog’s Eyes can be a little intrusive, although at the same time providing a change of tone. But this is soon forgotten as the following title track erupts from its folk beginnings to a genuine rock beast.
*** 1/2
