Rodriguez

California by way of Washington combo plays sauntering, countrified and jazz-infected numbers with all the sincerity of a clerk at the general store. Subtle, sparse rhythms and boxy Fender guitars pluck and twang through both swinging rockers and lilting, bittersweet, backwoods ballads. Stripped-down arrangements leave enough room for guitarist Matt Ward's breathy, contemplative vocals, not to mention bass player Kyle Field's endearing, storytellin' crackle.