Dead Oceans

Singer/songwriter Martin Crane and company, aka Brazos, have found their sweet spot with the follow-up to 2009’s Phosphorescent Blues. On Saltwater’s emotive nine tracks, the now-New York-based trio (formerly of Austin, Texas) manage to take the listener on an introspective journey of land, sea and sky. They recorded the acoustic guitar, drums and bass live, then added in additional textures, layers and flourishes. Crane’s dreamy vocals along with jangly guitar and bubbly rhythms explore the gamut of musical expression. Opener “Always On” is full of warm melodies, “How the Ranks Was Won” is an epic tale of soul-searching and discovery, “One Note Pillow” is transcendent indie rock, and the title track references Moby Dick and Ishmael with steady drumming and organ swells. With just under 40 minutes of music here, Brazos leaves behind a creative, sonic adventure.