Following 2013’s Travel Light was not going to be easy, but they made the correct decision when choosing to explore the boundaries of electric alt-country, by way of widescreen Western wanderings (Planets), the swinging tom beat of Calling Home or the unhinged, wigged-out guitar playing on Get It Right.
There are gentler moments, too, Heartbreak Beach highlighting not only the vocals of Swann but also the strong harmonic interplay between these longtime partners and musical companions, who balance large doses of sonic drama with subtle compositional dexterity.
• The Bads. Losing Heroes. Independent.
• Four stars (out of five)
Single download: Shelter Love
For those who like: The Cramps, Wilco
— Shane Gilchrist
