Breaks In The Armor

Slightly countrified indie rock project from Eric Bachmann (Archers of Loaf). Mature, intelligent songwriting that's well-suited to Bachmann's scratched-up, introspective croon. RIYL Wilco, Paul Westerberg, Damien Jurado. Easily avoidable FCC at end of 7, all tracks good. -Andy

*1 - (4:46) subdued but driving pop
2 - (3:22) rolling, jagged midtempo indie rock, outro continues into 3
3 - (2:28) continues from 2; slow, minor-key folk
*4 - (4:02) upbeat, recent-Wilco-esque, staccato indie rock
*5 - (5:02) slow and lovely Nick Drake reminiscent folk-pop lullaby
**6 - (2:49) heavy old-timey soulful, nice lyrical hook ("black candles burning in the kerosene rain")
*7 - FCC "pussy" spoken in last seconds, easily avoidable (3:16) pounding mid-tempo, dramatic vocal line and sampled speech
8 - (3:43) simple, breathily upbeat, folky, fem backing vocals belong in a Sufjan Stevens number
9 - (3:42) slow emphatic ballad
*10 - (4:37) cool electronic piano opening, long anthemic piece
**11 - (2:56) great acoustic guitar sound and backing vox; simple and intimate