Revenge

Though it's not as lo-fi as their debut, Bitter Bitter Weeks' sophomore outing is still effectively sparse. In fact, Philadelphia producer Brian McTear had his work cut out for him on Revenge, as he displays his feelings about the death of friend and musician Sara Weaver (who appeared on Bitter Bitter Weeks' debut). He doesn't waste any time in expressing himself: he leads off the title track with "it seems you've gone, just in a nick of time" and later weeps with "sometimes the saddest happenings choose the sunniest days and the warmest springs" in "The River Is Pale and the Water Is Wide." McTear is morose, but Revenge isn't completely a downer. A live cover of the Lucys' "Song for John" is blithe, while "Kings" is upbeat folk rock, with friends adding drums and piano. These highs and lows create a fulfilling balance, held together by McTear's genuine vocals and unwavering acoustic guitar.