When interviewed about Strand, Spinanes songwriter Rebecca Gates would say she felt a bit ‘ornery’ and wanted to make an album that took its time to divulge its secrets; she would mention classics like Dusty In Memphis as inspirations, something that makes sense once you’ve given Strand more than a cursory listen. The songs are more layered and oblique than on the duo’s debut, Manos, the production giving everything a tender gauziness. If this means the songs are harder to reach at first, it also gives them more chance to seduce your ears. There are still great pop moments here, like “Lines & Lines” and “Valency,” but the balance has shifted to deep, sweet moments of melancholy, like “Winter On Ice,” and the opening “Madding” (with guest Elliott Smith).

– Jon Dale