The fifth solo album from Chris Eckman (The Walkabouts, Dirtmusic, Distance, Light & Sky) is a deep dive into the vagaries of these extraordinary times. Eckman’s luminous songwriting navigates loss, disorientation, redemption and the search for home.

Recorded raw and direct with a small ensemble, the record is framed by expansive sonic textures: treated strings, analogue synth drones and ambient guitars. Where the Spirit Rests was co-produced with British electronic composer Alastair McNeill (Roísín Murphy, Yila) and includes an inspired cast of collaborators: pedal steel maverick Chuck Johnson, avant-garde violinist Catherine Graindorge and Dream Syndicate/Green on Red keyboardist Chris Cacavas.

The release of Richard Brisbois' debut solo album Anytime You Think About Her marks a creative leap forward for an artist who's been making music in bands for many years, firmly establishing him as a singer-songwriter to watch.

The album, mostly performed by Brisbois, with vocal accompaniment by Chelsea Carothers on the plaintive "Perfect Black Dress" and production help by his longtime musical compadre Mike Strassburger, is deceptively lo-fi considering the many well placed and interesting sounds layered throughout. The acoustic, chill electric, slide and bass guitars, keys, mandolin, light drums and percussion, ambient sounds and sing-along melodicsm bring to mind the best of early REM and Wilco.

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