Them Bird Things - Wildlike Wonder (2010)

Hard to believe this is the same band as the debut. Nuanced yet bold production, tight performances, great arrangements and most importantly, the singer blossoms into an assured front woman who sells the songs. And what a bounty of songs. The first six especially dazzle. The mini-psychedelic suite comprised of "Marionette" and "Birmingham" is downright ravishing.

Then we hit the low point. A needless revisit of Stephen Blodgett's '60s underground classic, "Underground" and a half-baked arrangement and performance that fails to capitalize on the inherent potential of "Once I Had a Snake."

The disc takes a bit to regain momentum but by the closer, the breathtaking "Georgia Mountain," you realize you've been on a sonic journey best epitomized by the very album title. Wildlike wonder indeed.~iggy_70