Greylag

Editors’ Notes This Portland, Ore.–based trio carefully studied the acoustic mysticism of Led Zeppelin on their way to self-actualization. Their self-titled debut album leads with “Another,” a song with an acoustic rhythm setup straight from Zep’s iconic III album—or at least Page and Plant’s Unledded. Tribal folk flows through “Mama” and “Black Sky,” while “Kicking” rumbles a fluid, electric groove. “Arms Unknown” relies on folk-rock harmonies before expanding into a full band workout. The songs’ masterful dynamics are well represented by indie producer Phil Ek (Shins, Band of Horses), who brings a clear, broad sound that’s never pompous.