My Neighbor/My Creator

Audio Mixers: Chris Freeland; Wye Oak; Mickey Freeland.Recording information: Beat Babies, Baltimore, MD (01/2010).Wye Oak's brand of earnest, melancholy indie rock is a definitely throwback to a simpler time. In 2010 a band that doesn't use samplers or excessive reverb, steal from the '70s, or incorporate hippie folk into its sound is an anomaly. Over two fine albums, the Baltimore duo has crafted a sound that calls to mind bands like Scrawl and early Yo La Tengo, who blended layers of guitars and artless vocals into a quiet yet emotionally forceful listening experience. On the My Neighbor/My Creator EP, Wye Oak inject some energy into their songs, boosting the tempos and noise levels (which had dipped on their second album) and allowing vocalist Jenn Wasner a chance to let loose a little. Her singing on the rollicking "Emmylou" is her most powerful to date. The midtempo "My Creator" is most akin to their previous work, though the horns and sound manipulations point to a new sense of