Review: Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band, ‘Where the Messengers Meet,’ on Dead Oceans

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band, Where the Messengers Meet (Dead Oceans)

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band, 'Where the Messengers Meet'

There’s something worrisome about a family band that makes dark music, but it works for young Seattle quintet Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band.

Grade: B (via The A.V. Club)

Review: Phosphorescent, ‘Here’s To…’

Phosphorescent, Here’s To Taking It Easy (Dead Oceans)

Phosphorescent, 'Here's To Taking It Easy'

The Phosphorescent sound—a typically gossamer thing that revels in spare moments and reverbed vocals—is bulked up with Houck’s full-time lineup.

Grade: B+ (via The A.V. Club)

Want more Phossy? Read my 2009 Q&A with Matthew Houck.

Bowerbirds’ Upper Air (via The A.V. Club)

Grade: A