Morlove

Likely the only album you're going to hear all year recorded in a geodesic dome, Morlove's second full-length, Old Tomorrow, is a densely packed effort that reveals itself with careful, repeated listens. The record approaches the theme of patterns with delicate inquisitiveness and quiet daring. Songwriters Corwin Fox and Miss Emily Brown have created a set of songs that touches upon a variety of ideas and feelings, staying within the unified vision of the album. Lyrically, the tracks reveal maturity and depth, as on aching relationship study "Skeleton," where Fox does the near-impossible and sums up a common problem many have in one fell swoop, singing, "Every time, I struggle with the clash between devotion and autonomy." It's just one of the many arresting moments to be found here. Not to be outdone, Emily Brown's voice is a mercurial weapon — the perfect complement to Fox's earthy delivery. Check out the soaring "Architect" for some of Brown's loveliest vocals. Built upon the weaving pattern of Fox's traditional Scottish family tartan, the song hints at a groove just underneath the surface. Pumped full of evocative sounds by violinist Hannah Epperson and cellist Christina Zaenker, it's a high point on a record full of them.