One consequence of the web-inspired decentralization of criticism is a glut of the voluble and often-nonsensical language music fans use to pitch their favorites. When folks on Amazon shill a "freak folk" or "screamcore" band, and eMusic, a handy subscription-based free download site, espouses the latest "lo-fi meets math rock record," who could be blamed for wanting to retreat into the familiar confines of one's own collection?

And then, sometimes the music speaks for itself. Two Dark Birds, headed by Steve Koester, have synthesized disparate elements of pop into a record that scratches a half-dozen aural itches, all the while seeming intimately familiar. The singing-songwriting veteran of Punchdrunk and Maplewood, among others, has a taste for everything from alt-country to LA rock to blues, all of which coalesce into something he's dubbed "American Soul."

On this self-titled debut, Two Dark Birds hopscotch from the Wilco-infused "Like New Eyes," to the breezy Californian road trip, complete with jam session, of "Blown," to the latter-day Dylanesque "Cut Down to Size." With folks from bands like the Wrens, Hold Steady, and Guster contributing music and lyrics, Two Dark Birds sounds like a masterful soundtrack to self-reflection. The closing "Ash and Sadness," A reworking of an earlier Koester track, expertly navigates the line between mythic lament and foolish romanticism. Despite the musical surplus vying for your valuable attention, it's the track you'll want playing, long day done and cold beer in hand, every sundown between now and autumn. --NICHOLAS MOSQUERA

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