The Dark, Delirious Morning

Chris Koza is a Twin Cities treasure, one that may not lurk for much longer in the shadows of that area’s fertile music scene. Releasing his debut Exit Pesce back in 2004, Koza was soon named Best Male Vocalist — also winning Best Pop Recording — courtesy the Minnesota Music Awards. Koza’s smart brand of organic folk-pop consistently runs ahead of the pack, and has a faint ‘70s-radio tint (both Paul Simon and Paul Westerberg occasionally come to mind). On this, his fourth album, Koza’s effortless tenor is nestled atop his chiming acoustic guitar, accompanied by perfectly placed synths, strings, and pianos. The gorgeous “Shallow Seas” is a great place to start, a shimmering ballad bucking its mournful strings and slide guitar; but the impressive, irresistible melodies of the title track, along with buoyant “The Avalon” and the heartbreaking “Adjust,” are just as strong introductions. This is the last release under Koza’s own name, just before branding his ace band Rogue Valley. Koza’s music continues to awe and enchant; surely a brighter spotlight in the national music milieu is awaiting him.