Earlimart

Now just a duo, the "hymn" being Aaron Espinoza and the "her" Ariana Murray, Earlimart sink deeper into the dreamy state they nodded in and out of on 2007's Mentor Tormentor. That's not saying this is a snoozer, though. Along with giving Murray a chance to lead vocals on "Before It Gets Better" and "Time for Yourself," the two dabble more in elegant and lush arrangements a la Elliott Smith and Spiritualized. The use of orchestral strings, soft horns, whimsical piano, slow acoustic strums and frilly bits of fuzz helps keep their lilting melodies interesting.