Sensibility/Columbia

Most effective when they’re ripping your heart out, The Civil Wars’ latest disc lets lingering notes dangle just long enough to be torturous. The country-ish duo started teasing audiences in June (the album dropped August 6) with the release of one of their most painful tracks of swelling bitterness, “The One That Got Away.” Joy Williams and John Paul White’s vocal chemistry remains chilling against twanging guitars and heavy downbeats that pound like desperate, but deliberate footsteps. “I Had Me a Girl” sets the tone for the album – fierce and pure with emotion – yet overall, the songs swirl together, leaving a few distinct memorable moments. Though they lack definition between their swooning songs of sorrow, fans don’t need to worry – The Civil Wars continue to excel with stunning harmonies and piercing lyrics.