The Rosebuds

Add Date: May 31 

Artist: The Rosebuds

Album: Loud Planes Fly Low 

Label: Merge 

Genre: Rock 

Comments: The marriage at the center of The Rosebuds has sadly dissolved, as Ivan Howard and Kelly Crisp recently divorced. That may seem like an all-too-personal detail, but it's relevant here for two reasons: first, the The Rosebuds are continuing on in spite of this; as Crisp told SPIN magazine, "We've worked on this band for so long that it's become a third person between us. It'd be like asking a couple if they didn't want their kids anymore 'cause they're breaking up." And secondly, the band's brilliant new LP, Loud Planes Fly Low, sprang from the pair's experience during their painful breakup.

I don't know that I'd describe this record as a major step forward for The Rosebuds--they've been one of the most consistent bands in the indie rock world for eight years now, and I'd argue that all four of their previous LPs ranged from very good to excellent--but this is definitely their best work yet. After dabbling in indie pop, folk-infused rock and even synth pop on past works, the band zeroes in on a rich, almost orchestral sound on Loud Planes Fly Low. Certain songs even bring to mind their much more famous labelmates, Arcade Fire, and while this record won't win a Grammy, it's every bit as good as The Suburbs. There, I said it.

So, yes, this is one of 2011's best. It's a wonderful album from start to finish, but start with tracks 7, 1, 6, 8 and 3.