Buck Meek, Kisser at The EARL

CRITIC'S PICK:
Sun., July 19
Buck Meek, Kisser, The EARL - Meek's new album, The Mirror, is only the fourth in nearly a decade, but he also stays busy with his other project, arena band Big Thief. The music created with his unadorned solo projects is personal and heartfelt. Subtle electronics are added to folk/rock tunes on his latest disc, bringing an elusive contemporary feel to the low-key singer/songwriter material. His sweet, innocent, even childlike vocals are similar to those of Jonathan Richman, even if the music is more fleshed out. Since Adrianne Lenker grabs most of the spotlight in Big Thief, this allows Meek to follow a more country, less indie direction, providing an outlet for songs which are understated and often hypnotic. - Hal Horowitz