This Florida roots-rock \u002F Americana quintet earned critical acclaim with their 2008 debut Casting Shadows Tall as Giants, becoming an NPR favorite and getting regular airplay on PBS's Roadtrip Nation. They're like a cross between Death Cab for Cutie and Wilco, thanks partly to singer\u002Fguitarist Matt Burke's earnest, Ben Gibbard\u002FJeff Tweedy-like croon. His lyrics are both imaginitive and vibrant (and printed in a mock newspaper article style insert!), relating historical tales, heartfelt odes to his hometown, and clever social commentary. The outstanding playing (especially from inventive drummer Jean-Paul Beaubien and viola player Joshua Hernandez) and flawlessly detailed production on rollicking songs such as Sons & Daughters of the Gilded Age, Kerosene & Candlelight, and The Ballad of Asa Dalton further ensures this exceptional album is no sophmoric slump. - The Big Takeover