It’s pleasantly surprising to see Okkervil River enjoying a jump in popularity, which might have something to do with its inordinately wise balance of excitement and nuance. Will Sheff and band seem possessed with heart-on-sleeve histrionics, especially live: Sheff has a knack for blending morose indie-rock hooks with tumbling wordplay. The Austin group’s been treating his tunes with creaks of folk, chamber-pop, and a little delicate dissonance on a run of solid albums, including last year’s The Stand Ins.
Updated 03/13/2009