Woods

Woods is one of those bands that take their craft very seriously. Releasing tight, lo-fi albums—most often in limited-edition formats and across tiny labels—the band has honed its underground credibility and DIY aesthetic to become one of the few players in contemporary indie rock that is actually, well, indie. Woods’ fifth full-length, At Echo Lake—released in 2010 on their own Woodsist label, also home to Wavves and Crystal Stilts—wavers between succinct plots of jangly folk-pop and psychedelic wandering grown from their characteristically languid production. Its latest,Sun And Shade is practically a remake of Woods’ best record, Songs Of Shame. But while it might feel a bit familiar in places, this return trip to a sonic realm so warm and inviting is similarly pleasing.

Updated 04/11/2012