The People's Key

Conor Oberst had far too much weight put on him at an early age. He’s spent most of his career trying to diffuse expectations while still crafting music that speaks from his heart and soul. By recording with his Bright Eyes buddies — Nate Wolcott and Mike Mogis — Oberst quickly reaches the comfort zone. “Jejune Stars” and “Triple Spiral” capture Oberst’s ebullient bounce with cheesy keyboards and beats borrowed from an ‘80s new-wave disco ensemble. “Beginner’s Mind” adds even more reverb for a plush Depeche Mode-like dream. “Approximate Sunlight” turns to doom-laden, stripped-down indie rock with the crashing of radio waves opening the space. It’s a Midwestern indie-rock band’s interpretation of reggae. Rastafarian spiritual ideas can be heard laced throughout the album. “A Machine Spiritual (In the People’s Key)” is a futuristic Oberst recalling the Clash’s Joe Strummer during his Sandinista! period. Texas musician Randy Brewer contributes rambling spoken- word pieces that serve as dramatic devices, introducing the album’s “Firewall” and closing up “One for You, One for Me.”