(The Rebel Group) www.therebelgroup.com

Ever wondered what might happen if you locked yourself and your friends in a room with nothing but Chinese takeout, instruments, and ‘90s Matador singles? Me neither, but that seems to have been the plan for Heavenly Statesman Ted Nesseth. And while it's still the mission on a good deal of Delayer, their third full length, the Superchunk-inspired rockers have shaken things up just a bit by slowing down, growing up, and stretching out. In place of Gen Gagon's violin on "Morning Exercise," she's crafted a drizzling-rain piano loop that undercuts Nesseth's brash guitars. Less a gimmick and more a role player now, she resurrects her violin at exactly the right moments—none sweeter than on the achingly gorgeous acoustic ballad "Butterflies"; channeling Warren Ellis, she sounds lovelier than ever. The feeling resonates throughout Delayer, a nourishing charmer that returns indie rock to where it should be.

Standout Tracks: “Butterflies,” “Morning Exercise” ZACHARY BLOOM