Thylacine

Really solid alt-country from St. Louis, with major post-punk sensibilities. Vocalist sounds a lot like Jay Farrar, and the music isn't too far from Uncle Tupelo. Biting, intelligent lyrics are a plus. Can't decide whether I like A or B better. Play both of them. RIYL Deer Tick, Lucero. FCC safe. –Andy

Side A: Dark, mid-tempo, with guitar riffs alternating between western soundtrack and arena rock. With subtle trumpet drones, sounds like a red-eyed and electrified Calexico.

Side B: Straightforward fast/mid-tempo alt-country with a nice blend of acoustic and distorted guitars and a good deal of R.E.M. in the vocal line.