Vetiver

After initially being overshadowed by the presence of Devendra Banhart, who inarguably helped lure people to the band, Vetiver have lately been stepping out of his shadow into a light of their making. Less reliant on the canon of weird folk and psychedelia, Andy Cabic turns to a more conventional classic pop rock songwriting style to deliver his goods. Hints of Wilco, or the soft focus '70s Americana of Scud Mountain Boys/Pernice Brothers, are balanced with a '60s bounciness and just enough acid flashbacks to keep early Vetiver heads bobbing. And though it plays with obvious tropes, this fifth album has such a genuine feel that it never strays into by-the-numbers boredom or yacht rock wateriness. This is perfect for both love lights and bonfires.