Blitzen Trapper - Destroyer of the Void

For a decade, Portland's esteemed indie stalwarts Blitzen Trapper have quietly been pushing the boundaries of alt-folk, Americana and eclectic rock over the course of four acclaimed studio albums. Unlike many bands who seem to either recyle, run dry or simply burn out at this point in their careers, Blitzen Trapper have defied the odds, culminating with 2008's brilliant Fur, an album that found them reaching a creative zenith. Tapping into Dylan-esque traditions with modern influences from the likes of Elliot Smith and Wilco, Blitzen Trapper (named for a childhood friend's school folder, or "trapper", featuring the famed reindeer) is one of the few bands who can get tapped to play both Lollapalooza and the Newport Folk Festival -- as they did this year.

Highly anticipated Fur follow up Destroyer of the Void, dropping June 8 via Sub Pop, finds the band digging even deeper into the uniquely American music traditions along with some surprising classic British rock twists and, like the best, surfacing with their own spin on things. The gorgeously wistful lead track "Heaven and Earth" reminds us of a Neil Young or Jackson Browne piano ballad, rich with poetic imagery, chamber strings and frontman Eric Early's smoky reed of a tenor. And there are even more adventurous things in store, notably the giddily retro six-minute title track that summons echoes of Queen with little early David Bowie thrown in over a changing stylistic course that conjures sequined glam/rock, psychedelica, Fab Four harmonies and music hall piano pinings. Highly recommended.

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Blitzen Trapper - "Heaven and Earth" (from the album Destroyer of the Void)

Blitzen Trapper - "Destroyer of the Void" (from the album Destroyer of the Void)