San Geronimo

Shawn Neary first made his mark on the Twin Cities scene as Tapes ‘N Tapes’ original bassist, but his new project is more informed by time spent recently in Cloud Cult than it is by TNT’s agitated indie rock. Named for a tributary of the Mississippi in northeastern Iowa, The Wapsipinicon does its rural namesake right, specializing in ghostly Americana fit for deserted roads and big, empty farmhouses. Neary has the perfect voice for the genre, shifting easily between melancholy murmuring and carefree hootenanny belting.

Also like Cloud Cult, this band is a group effort, but one with a clear and able frontman at its center. To flesh out his intimate recordings with pedal steel guitar, violin, banjo, and trombone, Neary recruited several friends, among them a bunch of Cloud Cult mates (including artist Scott West, who painted the cover), Adam Svec (The Glad Version), and Scott Hefte (Seymore Saves The World). For the most part, the extra musicians take turns adding an interesting backdrop to the naked guitar and vocals of Neary’s more subdued tunes, but the whole crew joins in for the stompin’ and hollerin’ “Vans On Dupont” and the sing-along finish of “Veracruz.” The Wapsipinicon doesn't overdo the crowded-stage, aspirational-anthem thing, so when a lonely melody gives way to a crowd of chorus-shouting revellers, it truly feels like something to celebrate.

The Wapsipinicon's CD-release show is set for March 6 at the Kitty Cat Klub.