Deerhunter won over even more fans and critics with 2010's Halcyon Digest. The follow up album to the sprawling Microcastle / Weird Era Continued found the Atlanta based experimentalists honing their sound, stripping away the electric guitar squall to create sparse and intimate moments. That being said the group expanded their instrumental palette, adding acoustic guitar, electronic percussion, banjo, autoharp, harmonica, vocal harmonies, and saxophone. As the album progresses they move through electro-acoustic moments, blown-out garage rock and anthemic shoegaze. The psychedelic 60s pop of "Revival" and "Memory Boy," are two of the brightest moments of the album. It's fitting that they're separated by the haunting lament of "Sailing." With Halcyon Digest Deerhunter found the sweet spot between their noisy audacity and pop accessibility. White vinyl pressing, includes free download.

• music label: 4AD 2010

reviewed by Hank Ohs 10/2014