The Dovecotes, Moaning, Fake Fireplaces
Recommended
Humdrum, The Dovecotes first effort—actually performed largely on record by Hugh Jepson, formerly of Corvallis band Fjords—is beguiling, almost deviously complex pop, with dreamlike, watery passages alongside sharp-strummed folk rock. It all coheres marvelously on songs like "Light" and "Never Knowing When." There's even room for more expansive passages, as on the lovely, meandering intro to "Saltwater" or album closer "Any Day." It's perfect music for a lazy, sun-dazed afternoon—Jepson has mastered a casual, compulsively listenable twist on indie rock that, even this early on in the Dovecotes' history, is sure-handed and satisfying. NED LANNAMANN