Wounded Astronaut

First with Varnaline and now on his own, Anders Parker stretches the definition of alt-country to include sonic enhancements that make every tune a special trip. Joined by other alt-country stars, Jay Farrar and Richard Buckner, Parker swishes around in his tunes that trudge and slink like a psychedelic version of Neil Young’s Crazy Horse. This EP follows the release of his first solo album, Tell It to the Dust. The title track boils for six minutes. “Come Off” and "Fast and True” head about as close to pop as Parker is likely to come with choruses that forego solemn contemplation for a simple singalong. “Everyone Will Shine” rests on a sweeping ambient vibe that crosses the desert in Parker’s mind with keyboards warping with the wind. “I Found You” chugs with Farrar supplying extra guitar punch and vocals. “The Smile” ends things on a confident note that could just as easily have come from Son Volt. Hardly a collection of leftovers, don’t overlook this solid EP.