RADAR: England in 1819

A pair of classically-trained brothers -- Andrew and Dan Callaway-- and their musician father Liam form the familial nucleus of England in 1819, a Baton Rouge band that weaves distinctive chamber pop with muted post-rock drama. From swirling, densely layered melodies built on a grand symphonic scale to exquisitely-detailed piano and voice quietude, this is modern progressive music that wisely steers clear of pompous excess. Producer Mark Bingham and the Callaways keep the arrangements loosely restrained and, amidst the soaring passages and cinematic scope, surprisingly personal. Frontman and songwriter Andrew Callaway helps by keeping the vocals tethered to a less-is-more understatement, delivering songs like sublime "Waterfall" and "Skyscraper" more like stately pop hymns than just a series of grandiose crescendos. One of the most promising albums we've heard this year.

England in 1819 - "Waterfall" (from Alma)

England in 1819 - "Air That We Once Breathed" (from Alma)