Producer Steve Albini is typically thought of as a noise-master — a guy capable of taking a rough sound and turning it into something even rougher. But he takes a different tack on Nine Skies. The Delby L threesome of Jeff Eliassen, Dave Devine and Brian Lenherr, whose credits include the Czars and Walking Into Drawings, largely eschew serrated chords, trash-can drumming and raspy shouts in favor of delicate vocals, precise arrangements and graceful guitar figures that snake among each other like vines through a trellis. The effect can be a bit too fey on occasion, as "Songs of Something" demonstrates. However, the beguiling "Careless" and the moody, trumpet-driven "Low Voice" benefit immeasurably from Albini's sensitive settings. The album's a reminder that this pony has more than one trick.
Find everything you're looking for in your city
Find the best happy hour deals in your city
Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%
Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city
