Strange Things Keep Happening

Evangelicals “Bellawood” – File under psychedelic psycho camp: Much of the song sounds as though its disturbed protagonist is being chased by a vicious, unrelenting gang of b-movie soundtracks from the ’50s and ’60s. He shakes them off during a quiet passage in the middle, but the over-the-top panic never goes away, it just gets muted by fearful self-reflection and crippling paranoia. Were it not for the band’s self-awareness and obvious sense of humor, this might be a bit too overblown, but they manage to hit the appropriate balance of terror and fun, just like a good horror movie. (Click here to buy it from Insound.)

Magik Markers “Empty Bottles” – The song is a direct descendant of Cat Power’s spare, rambling, heartbreaking piano ballads — “Colors and the Kids” is certainly the finest example — but Elisa Ambroglio’s persona is far less fragile, even when she sounds as though she’s about to break. There’s a lot of sentimentality, love, and intimacy here, but it’s guarded and careful, as though she can’t help but protect herself. Honestly, I don’t blame her. (Click here to buy it from Amazon.)