The Antlers: Familiars

The Antler's made their breakthrough on a 2009 concept album. Hospice epitomised the Brooklyn trio's draw: darkly intimate lyrics wrapped up in a dreamily improvised musical package. Their method hasn't changed for their fifth album. Peter Silberman's voice is alluring throughout these nine understated tracks, which stretch and bend to encompass trickles of jazzy improvisation, plump double bass and the soft toot of brass. Doppelganger is a highlight, its creepy blend of eerie cabaret enhanced by a lazy piano motif, while the quietly chaotic rhythm and zooming undercurrent of synth on Director is beguiling. The lilting pop of Intruders provides the album's most upbeat moments, but also sums up its one defect; as enjoyably low-key as Familiars is, it doesn't always necessarily lead to a satisfying conclusion. antlersmusic.com

Download: Doppelganger, Director