Images 13

A true auteur of dark Americana, Dex Romweber can imply a world of illicit thrills and danger in a single guitar chord. In tandem with his sister/drummer Sara Romweber, the former Flat Duo Jets frontman continues to mine rich veins of rock, blues, and primal country to create music that’s simultaneously enticing and unsettling. Dex carries himself with a brooding panache, conveyed by his dusky vocal tones and fondness for morose lyrics. His guitar work is fluent and evocative, whether he’s laying down meaty riffage (“Roll On”), unleashing volleys of Dick Dale–like twang (“Blue Surf”), or playing it straight and acoustic (“One Sided Love Affair”). Tracks like “Blackout!” (a slinky, brass-inflected number) and “Weird (Aurora Borealis)” (filled with the eerie strains of a bowed saw) have the feel of forgotten movie themes. “I Don’t Want to Listen” and “We’ll Be Together Again” catch Dex reveling in romantic gloom. Sara’s vigorous and empathetic drumwork adds bursts of emotional fire to even the bleakest tunes here. Creepy and compelling, Images 13 satisfies even as it raises goosebumps.