White Lighter

Frontman Kyle Morton sings like Steve Forbert back in the late '70s, when Forbert's voice still shook with a young man's nervous energy. The 13 other members of this group, however, stray far from the slimmed-down rock 'n' roll that once backed young Steve. These musicians are ambitious colorists who reflect the lessons learned through the years from The Flaming Lips, Polyphonic Spree, Arcade Fire, and others who balance acoustic reveries with orchestral swells. "The Lake" starts as a bucolic little tune that within a minute and a half transforms into a pulsing menace; so much is happening in the stereo mix that each ear gets a different experience. "Artificial Light" has the feel of a half-forgotten anthem that twists and turns like a mountain road on its way to the inevitable top. In a sense this is the new prog rock, but it's more user-friendly than the old stuff. Hooks aren't overlooked; nor are the small moments of acoustic reflection. But they happen quickly, and there's a sense of whiplash magic in how the situations change.