Swedish psych-folk-grunge-pop-prog-(breath)-retro-rockers Dungen have staked out a tidy claim within the international rock scene, writing and singing their lyrics entirely in their native language and cramming their albums with enough acid-fried guitar leads and otherworldly instrumental touches to fill an entire section at Waterloo. ...

Muhly has been a student and employee of Phillip Glass since his sophomore year of college, and much of that influence shows in his work. He likes performances --in as many varied contexts as possible-- and adores repetition, sparse soundscapes and esoteric composition. He's worked on Bjork's albums, and favors 16th century English composers (particularly those who wrote religious, devotional pieces). His work is unique, obtuse and addictive, and his mentor Glass has said he has "a curious ear, a restless listening." ...

Bury the Cynics the first full-length from Austin-based the Lovely Sparrows is either indie pop music for people who'd rather listen to a country album, or alt country for people who'd rather listen to a pop album. The record is at turns haunting and hopeful, managing to make refrains like "You be the bayonet, I'll be the rope" sound less menacing than they should -- hints more of John Darnielle than Nick Cave. ...