Animal Kingdom produces brooding, moody pop that stems from soft romantic beginnings yet is capable of reaching heart wrenching climaxes, as heard in “Bright Lights”. The group’s music is large and oft features drones via swirling electric guitar notes backed by hefty percussion. Fronted by melodic vocals, the result is uncanny and surreal, at one moment drowsy with hypnotic melodies and in the next exploding with emotion.

To think back over a career of an artist like Built To Spill is, to an extent, the same as doing it for Radiohead or Death Cab For Cutie. Albums come and go, and they’re all pretty damn great; they all hold their own, unique special place in your heart. Revisiting the old albums bring back memories of where you first heard it, or experiences you had while it blasted over your speakers. Sure, you have your favorite(s) and likely one you don’t care for too much. …