Ryan Dahle — Irrational Anthems

The first solo album by Age Of Electric guitarist/songwriter and Limblifer guitarist/singer/songwriter Ryan Dahle makes a quiet first impression, but it really blossoms after a few more spins.

Anyone expecting the former glam/alternative rocker to pick up where he left off in the earlier part of the decade is going to have some issues, but songs like "Beta King Stilits" and "Lion Piano" quickly assert themselves as sweetly melodic and even downright pretty when you really pay attention to them.

Similarly, "Awfulizing" at first sounds like Dahle spent too much of his time behind the scenes and out of the spotlight listening to bands like Arcade Fire, but with a little more attention it quickly becomes apparent the tune has just as much in common with latter day "Unity Or Grenadine"-style AOE as it does with current indie rock.

Taken as a whole, the album might disappoint fairweather fans looking for another "Ugly," but those who give it some time and attention will be treated to a well-crafted collection of music by an artist who has matured without sacrificing the signature sound that made him so popular in the first place.