Inter-Be

The duo of Peter Wolf Crier -- and despite the band name, the theme of their album doesn't seem to be pretty jokey -- create an album that is at once perfectly accomplished and incredibly of its moment, an indie folk-rock ramble that almost has its audience ready for it without them knowing it exists. Consisting of the duo of Peter Pisano on guitar and vocals and Brian Moen on percussion and further arrangements, Peter Wolf Crier possess a perfect range of expected qualities -- a shambling edge combined with heartfelt lyrics and singing, harmonies at once sweet and strained, and an emphasis on sonic treatments (on the drums in particular) that demonstrates the continuing impact of Dave Fridmann's production work as much as anything else. For all that, there are moments on Inter-Be when the combination works well enough, as with the shuddering start and nervous guitar on "Hard as Nails." "Lion" almost suggests the kind of never-never '80s rock that groups like the Helio Sequence can create, a sheen that's gently warm and inviting, while the drums and echoed piano break on "Untitled 101" also deserve a nod. ~ Ned Raggett