Erin McKeown We Will Become Like Birds

After the higher polish production values of Grand in 2003, Erin McKeown took to the road with an edgier format. Playing electric guitar, she was usually accompanied by just a drummer. The songs and approach for this album started to take shape during that time. On her fourth album, she moves with ease from reveries about the natural forces all around her to carefully rendered paeans to struggle and perseverance. Tucker Martine's production embraces everything from earthy atmospherics ("The Golden Dream") to irresistible pop hooks ("White City") and from punch-in-the-gut rockers ("Bells and Bombs") to the prayer-like and propulsive ("Aspera"). The settings vary, but the inviting and confident character of McKeown's songs and voice make for a bracing whole. --David Greenberger