Cursive

Three years after the success of The Ugly Organ, which garnered the band numerous accolades, and following the departure of cellist Greta Cohn, Cursive has reemerged as an imaginative, passionate quartet. Happy Hollow, the band’s fifth full-length, is its most daring release yet, with the addition of driving horn arrangements (best showcased on “Big Bang”) and a variety of instruments including accordion and piano, and an already solid rhythm section. Taking us on a journey through the fictional Midwest town of Happy Hollow, vocalist Tim Kasher questions not only divinity, but the American dream, affection for war and blind devotion. “Please, forgive me for questioning divinity / it’s an ugly job, but I think I’m up for it,” sings Kasher on “Rise Up! Rise Up!” The songs are often told from the viewpoint of the citizens themselves. “Bad Sects” serves as a preacher’s confession of his affair with a former male student: “I know this is wrong, we’re told this is wrong.” Happy Hollow is bound to please Cursive fans, who will be happy that the band has matured while staying true to its roots. It will also draw in people who are looking for something different from traditional radio-friendly rock.