MOLLY BURCH

First Flower cApTUred TrAcKs 8/10 More dreamy, torchy country-pop goodness from austin breakout

One of last year’s most beguiling debuts, the Austin-based singer’s Please Be Mine seemed like a product of another time and place – or rather, of the same sweetyet-sinister version of 1950s America often traversed by David Lynch. Recorded with Black Angels producer Erik Wofford, this equally fine sophomore effort sees Burch take a few steps into the present. With their mix of dream-pop drift and countrypolitan elegance, songs like “Wild” and First Flower’s gorgeous title track could be Beach House if produced by Owen Bradley. “Good Behavior” is the most arresting evidence of Burch’s swift development as both a distinctive vocalist and a canny purveyor of country-pop balladry and smoky jazz torch songs. JaSon anDErSon