Now It's Overhead - Dark Light Daybreak

Now It’s Overhead
Dark Light Daybreak
Saddle Creek Records
Grade: A-

Always under the radar Now It’s Overhead, led by Andy LeMaster, are back with the terrific Dark Light Daybreak continuing the lineage of previous records. One would think that after 2004’s Fall Back Open, Now It’s Overhead would become a household name amongst indie rockers. But, it never seems that LeMaster or the band get enough attention as they deserve. It could be that multi-instrumentalist and producer LeMaster has so many projects going on, particularly with Bright Eyes and his Athens, GA Chase Park Transduction studios, that it leaves less time to pump the band. Nevertheless, Dark Light Daybreak once again features dreamy layers of guitars, electronics, and melodic voices. At the front are LeMaster’s smooth ranging vocals which are accompanied by drummer Clay Leverett’s vocals and Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor’s siren-like vocal offerings. Unlike Fall Back Open, where several tracks dominated your attention, Dark Light Daybreak is more even across the ten songs. This creates the need to allow the record to unfold instead of just jumping song to song. Still, songs to check out include the excellent opener “Let the Sirens Rest,” the slow mover “Night Vision,” the bouncy “Type A,” the electronic “Meaning to Say,” and the honey-drenched closer “Nothing In Our Way.” Look for Andy LeMaster’s deft hand in the near future, particularly with his Saddle Creek cronies.