Kingsbury Manx

Like the namesake tailless cat, this fifth full-length from the Chapel Hill quartet conjures thoughts of fuzzy familiarity and a hunter's past left behind for the warmth of indoors. Their hazy blend of folk and casual psychedelic pop has grown slower, surer and fatter, for both better and worse. Their sound is reminiscent of the slew of bands the Rainbow Quartz label had on their roster a few years back, with different blends of elements from Big Star, Byrds and early Pink Floyd, but with so little original content as to blur distinction. Few risks are taken in achieving a polished and polite sound that, though rich and full of lovely touches, it lacks what the kids call "rock." It's a hard album not to like but only as a casual friend.